Willingness of Farmers to Pay for Agricultural Extension Services in Ondo State, Nigeria

The study was carried out in Ondo States, Nigeria to assess the willingness of farmers to pay for Agricultural extension services. Specifically, it ascertained the socio-economic characteristics of the farmers, ascertained willingness of the farmers to pay for agricultural extension services, identified agricultural extension services farmers are willing to pay for based on priority and how much farmers are willing to pay for such services were determined. A multi-stage technique was used in selecting 120 farmers. Primary data were collected using interview schedule, the instrument was subjected to face validity and reliability test. Data were analysed using descriptive statistical techniques such as frequency counts, percentages, mean statistics and Chi-square. Results indicated that the mean age of farmer was 52 years, majority (72.5%) were male, married (82.5%). The average household size was 6 persons and the mean farm size was 3 hectares. The average farming experience was 15 years while the farmers mean income was ₦149,458.00. The results further revealed that 57% of the respondents are not willing to pay for specified extension services due to low income from farming and Inconsistency in government policies, Only 43.0% are willing to pay for some services like personal visit to farmers, information on how and where to source for fund. Test of hypothesis shows that there was no significant association (P > 0.05) between the socio-economic characteristics and the willingness of farmers to pay for extension services. Therefore the possibility of economic return from a particular service is the major criteria of willingness of farmers to pay for these services. Hence extension services have to be professionally and competently delivered so that the farmers will be motivated to pay.