ABSTRACT:

The training and visit system of extension aims at building a professional extension service that is capable of assisting farmers in increasing productions and incomes and thereby providing appropriate support for agricultural development which in turn forms a foundation and strong base for rural development. According to William (1974) our agriculture is still basically traditional and has failed to witness any scientific transformation. The T and V system is a strategy aimed at addressing this situation to facilitate rural development and growth. The objective of this study was- to appraise the performance of training and visit system of extension as a strategy for rural development in Dunukofia L.G.A. of Anambra State. Infrmation were sought on such variables as socio-economic and other variables of interest that affects the quality of the system. Three of the six autonomous communities in the L.G.A. were purposively selected because of time and financial constraints a total of 100 farmers were selected from the different communities but only 80 fully completed their questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistical tools such as frequency distribution, percentages and means. Findings show that adoption of technologies transferred to the rural areas were low because of low labour force, large household size, lack of capital, scarcity off demonstration materials, scarce/unviable input and high cost of input. Transfers of technologies were not intensified and lastly they deviated from their actual duty into proper community development. The study suggests that the extension agents be re-educated on the principles of T and v System of extension and accordingly supervised. Incentives should also be made available to farmers.