Issues for Agricultural Extension Policy in Nigeria

Agriculture is the bedrock of economic development in Nigeria. However, the development of the sector cannot be achieved without an efficient and effective extension system. Thus, there is the need for a well articulated and comprehensive Agricultural Extension Policy (AEP). It is against this background that the paper examines the content of agricultural extension sub-policy in the current Nigeria's Agricultural Policy with a view to establishing the need for a National Agricultural Extension Policy (NAEP). Issues in Extension Policy formulation; extension goals, approach and functions, subject matter, geographical coverage, target beneficiaries, organization, staffing, funding and stability were examined and how they could be addressed in the proposed AEP. The paper suggests as the goal; achievement of a well organized extension system for efficient and effective extension delivery in all aspects of sustainable agriculture and rural development to attain food security, poverty reduction, rural empowerment and environment management. It concludes with a summary of key recommendations for the proposed Agricultural Extension Policy. These include constituting a committee on NAEP to be chaired by the PS, FMAWR and the policy should make extension agenda farmer-driven and participatory. Also, decentralization of Nigerian agricultural extension system and its efficient coordination at various levels to ensure effectiveness and sustainability.