Impact of Rural Journalism on Agricultural Mechanization in Ebonyi State: a Study of Onicha Lga

The research work focus on Impact of Rural Journalism on Agricultural Mechanization in Ebonyi State: a study Onicha LGA, the main objective is to examine the impact of rural journalism on mechanized agriculture in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, to determine the impact and the use of rural journalism on the availability and affordability of farm machines for the use of farmers in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, to identify the benefits obtained from using mechanized agriculture in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. A descriptive survey design is the type of research design that is used to extract information from the target population through the use of questionnaire instrument and subjecting the data obtained to statistical analysis for the purpose of drawing conclusion. The current estimated population of Onicha LGA is put at 450242inhabitants with the vast majority of the area’s dwellers being members of the Igbo ethnic group. Based on the findings, the use of rural journalism educates farmers on pests and diseases management practices. It was also revealed that rural journalism educate on mechanical land preparation and planting. Rural journalism enhances affordability of farm machines for the use of farmers, that rural journalism educates most people on agricultural credit and loan. It is therefore recommended that agricultural extension services particularly the Ebonyi state Agricultural Development program and Ministry of Agriculture should strengthen the use of rural journalism in information dissemination to farmers in the study area, there is a need for more competent presenters who are knowledgeable in agriculture to handle agricultural programs. Also such programs should be broadcasted in local languages as much as possible and efforts must be taken to guarantee that the airing times are suitable. Adequate announcement of the agricultural programme on the radio and television before the kick off of the programme will keep the farmers abreast and enable them to plan their time to listen to and watch such programme.