IMPACT OF EXTENSION PROGRAMS ON ADOPTION OF IMPROVED WHEAT PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY IN KHARTOUM STATE

Abstract

The main objective of the study reported in this thesis is to measure the impact of the extension programs on adoption of wheat production in Khartoum State. A conceptual model was developed as a framework for causal explanation of the impact of the extension programs and other factors on adoption of the recommended wheat production package by farmers as a principal endogenous variable affecting productivity and total production of wheat in seven selected wheat production projects. The model is focused on 10 variables (which are arranged in a logical casual order to provide for explanation of wheat production and income in Khartoum State), namely formal education, family size, age, total amount of finance received, total farmland area in possession, access to agricultural extension services, participation in project development activities, adoption of improved wheat production technology, total production of wheat in sacks, gross income from wheat production. For purposes of the study, a stratify random sampling method was used to select one hundred and fifty respondents from total of eight hundred eighty-five farmers engaged in wheat production in seven projects, namely El Jummuia, El Isailat, Wad Ramli, El Khojalab, Dabak and Eltikaina, El Sururab all of which are located in Khartoum state. The primary data for the study were collected through use of individual interviews, using of structured questionnaires, supported by personal observation. Different statistical procedures were used in data analysis, including frequency and percentage distribution tables, t-test, correlation analysis (to identify significant correlates of the model variables), and regression analysis (for testing the postulated causal model). Regression analysis constituted the iv principal procedure for extending casual explanation by means of the application of path analysis. Comparative analysis for the seven projects involved in the study showed that El Jummuia project has succeeded to achieve greater level of adoption of the recommended technological package for wheat production. This is attributed to high level of access to extension services, and the long wheat production experience of most of the participating farmers On the basis of the findings, the study generates a set of recommendations was drawn: Recommendations for the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Resources and Irrigation, – Khartoum State: It is recommended that the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Resources and Irrigation, – Khartoum State provide support for the Technology Transfer and Extension Administration to enhance the capabilities of the staff and encourage greater participation in extension programs by the farmers. It is recommended that the Ministry of Agriculture adopts policies that encourage the pooling of land recourses to form larger farming units capable of adoption to improve to packages and improved land preparation practices. It is recommended that the Ministry of Agriculture adopts policies facilitate access to production inputs. It is recommended that extension administration increases the rate of farmers' participation in planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of extension programs.