Perception of Agricultural Extension Workers on Privatization of Agricultural Extension Services in Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Privatization is becoming a widely accepted organizational change and response that can offer alternative opportunities for efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability in extension service delivery. This study assessed the opinion of agricultural extension workers on privatization of agricultural extension services in Ondo State, Nigeria. Simple random sampling technique was used in collecting primary data from 90 out of 112 extension workers in Ondo state Agricultural Development Programme, through the use of validated questionnaire.  Data collected were analysed using percentage and mean statistic. Majority (55.6%) of extension professionals asserted that agricultural extension services should not be privatized. The major reason adduce to this was the fear that privatization could leads to loss of job among the extension professionals. The average amount proposed by the few respondents if extension services should be privatized, ranges from a minimum of ?100 for market information on where and when to sell their products to ?400 for technical advice on farming activities (crops and livestock) per month. Since farmers will be the one to bear the consequences of privatization, government should ensure total overhauling of the extension system before experimenting the payment for extension services in a phases and with utmost caution.