Challenges to Women Adoption of Agricultural Innovations through Mass Media in Misau Local Government Area of Bauchi State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined Challenges to Women on Adoption of Agricultural Innovations through Mass Media in Northern part of in Bauchi State, Nigeria. Multi-stage random sampling technique was used in the selection. In stage one, four wards (4) wards were selected using simple random sampling technique. In the second stage, two (2) communities were selected using systematic random sampling technique from each ward, giving a total of 8 communities. The third stage involved the use of purposive sampling in the selection of ten (10) women farmers from each of the 8 communities, thus giving a final sample size of eighty (80) respondents. The study showed that 45% of the respondents fell within the ages of 20 – 30 years with mean age of 38 years. The results also revealed that 55% and 78.75% f the respondents had formal education and were married respectively. The results further showed that 71.25%, 60% and 78.75% of the respondents had household size of 1-10 members, years of experience of 6 – 10 years and cultivated 1-5 ha respectively. On the other hand, substantial number   (37.50%) of the respondents revealed that radio was the major source of information. However, 38.75% of the respondent preferred television and majority (71.25%) agreed that programmes were broadcasted using common language. The result of regression analysis revealed that age, educational level, household size and years of experience strongly influence women adoption of innovations at P<0.001. The major constraints toward the use of mass media include timing of the programme (33.75%), nature of the innovation (25%), and language barrier (15%) among others. The study recommended that agricultural programmes should be aired at the early hours of the night. Extension should deliver simple innovations using local language. These would facilitate effective adoption of agricultural innovations and subsequently enhanced the economic wellbeing of rural women.