Farmers Information Literacy and Awareness towards Agricultural Produce and Food Security: FADAMA III programs in Osun state Nigeria
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Agriculture remains the mainstay of the Nigerian economy, because it does not only contribute to the largest share of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), it is the largest employer of labour and a key contributor to wealth creation and poverty alleviation, as large percentage of the population derive their income from agriculture and related activities . Agricultural sector is the backbone of many economies in Africa, but most African countries are yet to devote their efforts to the dissemination of information and modern knowledge on agriculture to rural areas, where 70 to 80 percent of the African population lives. For any nation to improve on its agricultural productivity and ensure food security, access to information and awareness programs on agricultural practices is key in ensuring food security. Information on good knowledge of modern agricultural technology and its usage will enable improved cultivation, harvesting and storage that will reduce famine and improve the nation’s all round wealth. To achieve this, commitment to free information flow, training and retraining program is a must. Information is a critical determinant of the success in human endeavour such as in storage of farm produce towards food security
Information dissemination to farmers in the agricultural sector is done by Agricultural extension officers. In Nigeria, Agricultural extension workers have the primary responsibilities to help farmers make efficient use of available resources to meet the nation's food needs. Report has it that Osun State is making headway in farm produce among other state of FADAMA III project having effect on social statures among others. It is imperative to know how FADAMA III is meeting information needs of the farmers to help food security. Strong information network among FADAMA farmers assist them in area of farming, harvesting, storage and marketing their products. This paper is bases on the study carried out in Osun State, a western state in Nigeria and under Fadama III project.
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