ABSTRACT

This study did a comparative performance evaluation of Agricultural Development Programmes (ADPs) of Abia and Enugu states, Nigeria with particular focus on extension services delivery in the study areas between 2006-2008. The specific objectives of the study included to: examine the socio economic characteristics of ADP staff and farmers in the study area; examine and compare the performance of the project in the two states with respect to delivery of extension service ascertain the adequacy of resources (such as human, logistics and I1wbiliy) necessary for extensioii service delivery by the selected ADPs. Others were to determine the relative effectiveness of extension services delivery by the selected states ADPs; compared farmers' adoption of selected technologies disseminated by the two states ADPs. The study also examined factors such as funding, government policies, research and training issues which may influence performance of the ADPs. '1 wo hypotheses were set and tested in this study. A multi-stage sampling technique was used in the study. The respondents (200) made up the sample size of 40 extension staff and 60 farmers from each state. Relevant data were obtained from both primary and secondary sources with two sets of structured questionnaire and from Planning Monitoring and Evaluation (PME) annual records. The data vvere analyzed using percentage, likert type scale, paired t-test and probit model. The results generally indicated that there was a gradual decline in the performance ol extension activities in the study area. 1 he analysis has shown that Abia State ADP (68.3%) had more extension staff and therefore better manpower capacity than Enugu State AD1 (I 9.7%). Despite the funding problems, the two states ADPs were able to carry out some extension activities though the two states ADPs under study were not l)rOvided with adequate mobility, allowance for fuelling and maintenance of available mnobility, wori kits and implements, ICT facilities, fund lor extension projects and well trained extension staff to early oUt their extension delivery services effectively. Results of probit analysis of factors that may influence the extension services deliver\ in the two states ADPs showed that in Abia ADP, variables like funding status, motivational support, to extension agents. number of extension agents, payment of countei prt fund and availability of nobility had positive and significant relationship with performance of A[)P extension delivery services in the State. 1-lowever, number of xl' extension agents showed significant bu negative relationship with extension services delivery in Abia State. Analysis of the Hypotheses showed that out of the I extension performance indices measured in the two States ADPs, three showed significant difference at 5% in the performance of Abia and Enugu states ADPs. They are number of extension agents, farm visits and monthly review meetings. In view of this result, the study therefore recommended among others that government should make haste to employ more well trained extension staff to enhance extension service delivery in Enugu State. Governments of' Abia and Enugu State should as a mat Eel' of commitment keep faith with the payment of counterpart funds as expected from them in funding some agricultural projects being extended by the two state ADPs. This will go a long way in improving such variables like funding status, motivational support to extension agents, mobility, and other logistics that affect extension services delivery in the study area. All these will speedily revive and sustain grassroots' agricultural production and  development.