The objectives of the extension practice in Mgbodo community, Aluu, Rivers State focused on group discussion for key crop farmers in the community on specific innovations or improved technologies that extension agents have disseminated to them in the past
The objectives of the extension practice in Mgbodo community, Aluu, Rivers State, focusing on group discussions for key crop farmers regarding specific innovations or improved technologies disseminated by extension agents over the past two years, can be outlined as follows:
1. **Knowledge Assessment**: Evaluate the current level of understanding and adoption of improved agricultural practices and technologies introduced in the previous two years by the extension agents.
2. **Feedback Collection**: Gather feedback from farmers on the effectiveness, challenges, and successes they have encountered while implementing the innovations or technologies in their farming practices.
3. **Experience Sharing**: Facilitate the sharing of experiences among farmers to promote peer learning, highlighting practical applications of the innovations and how they have impacted productivity and sustainability.
4. **Problem Identification**: Identify common problems or obstacles faced by farmers in adopting these technologies, allowing extension agents to tailor support and resources to address these issues effectively.
5. **Capacity Building**: Enhance the skills and knowledge of farmers related to specific innovations, ensuring they have the necessary information and training to maximize the benefits of these practices.
6. **Promotion of Best Practices**: Encourage the adoption of best practices through discussion and demonstrations, showcasing successful case studies from within the community or similar contexts.
7. **Collaboration Encouragement**: Promote collaboration among farmers, extension agents, and other stakeholders to foster a supportive network that can collectively address challenges and promote further innovations.
8. **Action Planning**: Assist farmers in developing individualized action plans for implementing or enhancing the use of improved technologies in their farming systems.
9. **Monitoring and Evaluation**: Establish mechanisms for ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the impact of the adopted technologies on crop yields and overall farm productivity.
10. **Sustainability Considerations**: Discuss the long-term sustainability of the adopted innovations, including environmental impacts and resource management, ensuring that farmers consider these factors in their practices.
By structuring the extension practice around these objectives, the initiative aims to empower farmers in the Mgbodo community, enhance their agricultural productivity, and contribute to the overall development of the local agricultural sector.