Access and Types of Agricultural Technologies through Radio among Maize Farmers in Kano State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigates maize farmers’ access to agricultural information through radio and the types of agricultural technologies learned and applied in Kano State, Nigeria. Guided by the Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) and Uses and Gratifications (U&G) theories, a descriptive survey design was employed to collect data from 300 maize farmers selected through a multistage sampling procedure across three major maize-producing Local Government Areas. Data were gathered using a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics. Results show that radio is highly accessible, with 81.7% of farmers owning radios and (70%) listening daily. Most respondents (73.3%) understood agricultural messagesparticularly those delivered in Hausaand 57% rated their access to agricultural information as high or very high. Farmers learned a range of technologies from radio, including improved maize varieties, fertilizer application, soil fertility management, pest control, and irrigation practices. The findings confirm radio as a practical and trusted extension tool that fulfils farmers’ information needs and facilitates innovation diffusion. The study recommends strengthening radio-based extension, increasing interactivity, and addressing barriers to technology adoption.