ABSTRACT

The study assessed the Research — Extension — Farmer — Input linkage system (REFILS) in South — East - agr0ec010g1ca1 zone of Nigeria. It broadly assessed the performance of the REFILS and specifically; assessed actors' participation in the development of maize/cassava intercropping technology generated and promoted; determined farmers and input distribution agencies involvement in the REFILS continuum of activities; determined the input distribution agencies performance in the REFILS; determined farmers socio — economic characteristics that influenced adoption of maize/cassava intercropping technology and identified constraints associated with the operation of REFILS. A total of one hundred and sixty (160) respondents were sampled. The respondents comprised of extension experts from universities and research institutes, field extension workers from selected ADPs, ADP contact farmers and input marketers/suppliers. Forty (40) respondents were sampled from each of the groups. Four states in the zone were sampled purposively while the population studied was randomly selected. Data were collected from both primary aid secondary sources. A structured instrument was used to collect the primary data. Chi — square (x2) multiple regression and percentages were used to analyze the data collected. Result showed that farmers and the input marketers/suppliers rarely participated in the development of the technology; farmers and the input marketers/suppliers were inadequately involved in the REFILS continuum of activities. Input distribution agencies has performed well to justify their inclusion in the REFILS and many constraints are found to associate with the operation of REFILS. It was recommended that all actors especially farmers and the input marketers/suppliers be actively involved in the review of the technology and the development of subsequent technologies and adjust production recommendation on the technology to reflect likely input availability. Finally, constraints associated with REFILS be properly checked to ensure maximum success of the REFILS approach.