Assessment of the Roles of Extension Services on Market Linkages Among Rice Farmers in Bunkure Lga, Kano State

This study assesses the role of extension services in facilitating market linkages among rice farmers in Bunkure Local Government Area, Kano State, Nigeria. Recognizing the significance of rice production for food security and economic growth, the research aims to evaluate the socio-economic characteristics of rice farmers, assess the current status and effectiveness of extension services, and identify barriers to utilizing these services for improved market access. A multi-stage sampling procedure was employed to select a sample of 60 rice farmers, and data were collected through structured questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. The findings reveal that the majority of rice farmers are middle-aged males with varying educational backgrounds, predominantly Qur'anic and secondary education. All surveyed farmers reported contact with extension agents, with most engaging on a fortnightly basis. The analysis indicates that the effectiveness of extension services has a positive and significant impact on market access (B = 0.193, p = 0.032), while farm size negatively affects market access (B = -0.154, p = 0.036). Barriers identified include a lack of follow-up support, difficulty in understanding information, and inadequate training on market utilization. The study underscores the critical importance of enhancing extension services to empower farmers and improve their market engagement. It calls for targeted interventions by policymakers and agricultural stakeholders to address the unique needs of rice farmers in Bunkure, ultimately contributing to better agricultural outcomes and food security in the region.