Assessment of Agricultural Extension Agents' Marketing-Related Services: Implications for Policy Makers in Ekiti State, Nigeria

This study assessed the marketing-related services performed by agricultural extension agents in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Data were collected from agricultural extension agents in the service of the State Agricultural Development Program. A questionnaire was administered to the agents during the fortnightly training meeting. Data were summarized with frequency, mean and percentages, correlation and regression analysis. Results of the study showed that the mean age of the agents was 39 years and the mean working experience was 9 years. A significant relationship exists between the perceived legitimate marketing-related services and the performed services (r = 0.413). Performed marketing-related services significantly correlate with qualification of the agents (r = 0.324), working experience (r = 0.301), number of farmers visited and transportation (r = 0.281, 0.280), respectively. The study concluded that policy makers should include agricultural marketing specialists in fortnightly training.