ACCESSIBILITY TO AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION AND TRAINING INTERVENTIONS ON ECONOMIC GROWTH OF CASH CROP FARMERS IN BENUE STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study investigated the accessibility to agricultural information and training interventions on economic growth of cash crop farmers in Benue state, Nigeria. Three research questions guided the study in line with the objectives. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The population of the study comprised 1,276 cash crop farmer across the three senatorial district of Benue state, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to sample 638 cash crop farmers in the three senatorial District of Benue state. Structured questionnaire was used as a research instruments for data collection. Out of 638 copies of questionnaire distributed, 595 copies were filled, returned and used for the analysis representing 93.2%. Data were analysed using frequency counts, percentages, mean and standard deviation. Findings of the study revealed that the level of economic growth of cash crop farmers in Benue State, Nigeria was high, accessibility to agricultural information influence on economic growth was positive and training interventions influence on economic growth was positive. The study concluded that there is need to enhance the effectiveness of agricultural information dissemination methods. The study recommended that targeted training programs should be designed to address the specific knowledge gaps focusing on practices that directly impact productivity and enhance economic growth.