International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Adefalu Lateef L, Azeez Kaothar K, Adeleke Onaolapo A

abstract
This research assessed the agroforestry promotion strategy adopted by the extension agents (EAs) in Kwara state, Nigeria. It investigated the agroforestry management practices promoted by the EAs, the promotion strategy employed and the constraints faced in the promotion of sustainable agroforestry management practices in the study area. Census technique was adopted to select 120 extension agents in the study area. Data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean and regression analysis respectively. The average age of the respondents was 40years. Most (68.3%) of the respondents were males while females accounted for 31.7%. Also, majority (93.3%) of the respondents were married with an average household size of 7memers. Furthermore, the study showed that multipurpose trees on cropland, improved fallow in shifting cultivation and shelterbelt were ranked 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively. Extension agents mostly (MS=3.6) promoted sustainable agroforestry management practices through interpersonal contact with the farmers. Likewise, the research revealed that shortage of extension agents and inadequate support from the government were the major constraints inhibiting promotion of sustainable agroforestry management practices in the state. The result of the analysis revealed that age (b= 0.33, p<0.05) and years of working experiences (b=-.038 p<0.05) significantly influenced the promotion strategy used by the EAs. In conclusion, agroforestry management practices were mainly promoted through interpersonal contact with the farmers and emphasis were on shelterbelt, multipurpose and improved fallow in shifting. It is therefore recommended that other areas of agroforestry should be promoted by the EAs and government should provide adequate support to extension services in the state.