Wanderlust World Wanderlust World - The introduction of cash crops like cocoa, cotton, and rubber led to the establishment of agricultural extension services in Nigeria.
- The focus was on providing farmers with basic agronomic practices and disease control methods.
1920-1940: Expansion and Specialization
- The development of the agricultural department and the establishment of specialized extension services for different crops.
- The introduction of farmer training centers and demonstration farms.
1940-1960: Pre-Independence Period
- Increased funding and emphasis on agricultural extension due to the need to boost food production.
- The establishment of the Federal Department of Agricultural Research (FDAR) and the setting up of agricultural research stations.
1960-1980: Post-Independence and the Green Revolution
- Emphasis on increasing agricultural productivity through the Green Revolution.
- The introduction of high-yielding varieties, fertilizers, and pesticides.
- Establishment of the Agricultural Development Projects (ADPs) to provide extension services at the local level.
1980-2000: Structural Adjustments and Reforms
- Economic challenges led to a reduction in government funding for agricultural extension.
- Decentralization of extension services and the involvement of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and private sector.
- Adoption of the Training and Visit (T&V) extension approach.
2000-Present: Agricultural Transformation Agenda
- Renewed focus on agricultural development, with the introduction of the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) in 2011.
- The ATA emphasizes value-chain development, private sector participation, and the use of technology in extension.
- The establishment of the Agricultural Extension Services Center (AESC) to coordinate extension activities.