Abstract: This study evaluated the accessibility and perception of agricultural extension services among smallholder sorghum farmers in the Zuru Agricultural Zone of Kebbi State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 160 smallholder sorghum farmers, and primary data were collected using structured questionnaires. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and a five-point Likert scale with a decision threshold mean of 3.39. The findings showed limited extension coverage: 61.9% of respondents had no contact with extension personnel, 75.6% lacked access to good rural roads, and 84.4% received no operational or logistical support. Fellow farmers were the main source of agricultural information for 62.5% of respondents, followed by family and friends (28.1%) and radio or television (9.4%). Respondents had positive perceptions of the technical competence of extension agents (mean = 4.25), the relevance of their advice (mean = 4.06), and the contribution of extension services to sorghum yield improvement (mean = 3.93). However, perceptions were negative regarding agent availability (mean = 2.75), communication clarity (mean = 2.91), visit scheduling (mean = 2.85), practical demonstrations (mean = 2.66), and overall service quality (mean = 2.87). The weighted mean of 3.39 indicated a low overall perception under the stated decision rule. The study recommends recruiting local extension agents, decentralising operational bases, providing mobility and demonstration support, and integrating voice- and SMS-based advisory services with face-to-face extension.
Keywords: Agricultural extension services; accessibility; information channels; smallholder farmers; sorghum productivity; Zuru Agricultural Zone.
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