Two decades of World Bank assisted extension services in Nigeria: Lessons and challenges for the future

Abstract

Abstract This paper reviewed the period between 1975 and 1995 when World Bank funds were used to reactivate the erstwhile moribund extension services in Nigeria. It noted that significant progress had been made in the establishment of an institutional framework for a functional extension service in the country. There were, however, some weak areas that require special attention for the extension services to remain functional and relevant to the needs of a majority of farmers. These areas include the input supply system, the need for a special focus on issues of natural resources management for sustainable land use and the environment. Others are the need for democratization and empowerment of local communities and farmers’ associations, and the harnessing NGO efforts for a wider coverage and sustainability of the extension services. It was concluded that the big challenge in the next decade would be in the areas of securing government commitment and mobilizing local funds for sustaining the service. JAgr Educ Ext (2001, 7, 3, pp 143–152)