Dynamics of Agricultural Extension for Nigeria’s Rural Areas Under the Current Scenario of Climate Change

Dynamics of agricultural extension for Nigeria’s rural areas have been discussed in this chapter under the current scenario of climate change. Efforts have been made to highlight different issues affecting agricultural extension scenario in response to dynamics of climatic changes in the country. The agricultural extension dynamics showed shifts in extension paradigms as of colonial era to date from advisory to facilitation or empowerment. Therefore, the vulnerability of agriculture and rural life in Nigeria is compelling extension to think beyond the technology transfer and perform better under pressure of any change. In this context, a paradigm shift is required to be designed from ‘technology’ to ‘knowledge’, from ‘research centric’ to ‘farmer centric’, and from ‘top-down’ to ‘bottom-up’ solutions. In order to revitalize agriculture in the developing world, it is time to develop mechanism of extension pluralism. By knowledge empowerment of key players of extension system in rural communities, many of the agrarian challenges can be addressed better in the developing world. In the context of climate change, available information needs assessment, availability, access and use of climate and weather information, agricultural extension and climate change adaptation and mitigation. Potential synergies between adaptation and mitigation need to be revisited in the near future as the ultimate goal of Nigeria, which is eager to advance to higher stages of development and competitive power. It was concluded that agricultural extension has a role to play in informing farmers about the changing sets of incentives for different choices in agricultural management. Therefore, agricultural extension organizations have an important role to play in advising farmers and other actors on this issue. The following recommendations may be put in place for agricultural extension system to perform effectively and efficiently in Nigeria: climate change scientific research should have a real impact on farm productivity and livelihoods; new methodologies for dissemination of information have to be developed or adapted; reforms in agricultural extension should be oriented towards learning rather than teaching paradigm; roles and responsibilities of researchers, extensionists and community should be re-defined and shared. Socio-economic analysis for each methodology should be performed before adapting any method, approach, or strategy. An integrated approach (comprising different strategies) is recommended in diverse socio-cultural, economic, and political situations in order to achieve desired goals. As a conclusion, a sound agricultural extension policy is indispensable to achieve success in transferring knowledge to farmers.