International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Alhassan YJ, Sanchi ID, Musa Y, Dorh LE and Felix P

abstract
This study assessed the nature and various assistance rendered to farmers by ATASP-1 in Sokoto State, Nigeria. A Multi stage random sampling technique was employed to draw a sample of 240 respondents from the sokoto. A set of structured questionnaires were used to obtain information from the respondents. Descriptive statistics was used for data analysis. The result of the study showed that majority (87.5%) of the respondents were male while female participating respondents formed the minority with (12.5%). The research study also found out that ATASP-1 provided agro-inputs to farmers such as improved varieties of seeds (95.8%), fertilizers (49.6%), Agro- chemicals (33.3%). It was found out that ATASP-1 constructed different kinds of infrastructural facilities such as market stalls(17.5%), dispensaries (12.5%), primary school classrooms (27.5%), overhead tanks(12.9%) etc to benefiting communities. The study further revealed that (87.5%), (96.7%) and (1.3%) respondents benefited from value addition techniques and capacity building respectively. The survey further identified that (65.4%), (76.7%) respondents respectively were provided with both method and result demonstration strategies. The study further revealed that ATASP-1 provided training to farmers on improved farming methodologies through mass extension programmes such as radio/ television program (58.8%) and group discussion (78.3%).Similarly,3.9%and 4.6% considers ATASP-1to have provided training to farmers and improved farming technologies respectively. In conclusion, it was found out that ATASP-1impacted positively and significantly on the livelihood of the participating farmers. It is recommended that provision of extension services to farmers in groups should be encouraged due to scarcity of AEAS, provision of more improved inputs like seeds of various crops, fertilizers and agro chemicals etc, provision of extension services through non-visits such as radio and television programmes should be intensified by ATASP-1, organizing refresher courses and in-service training for extension staff to equip them with modern skills to effectively disseminate improved agricultural technology to farmers.