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Effect of Extension Services on Farmers’ Adoption of Irrigation Scheduling Practices

Abstract

The study will examine the effect of extension services on farmers’ adoption of irrigation scheduling practices. Proper irrigation scheduling is important for ensuring that crops receive adequate water at appropriate times while reducing unnecessary water use. Adoption of suitable irrigation scheduling practices can improve water-use efficiency, support healthy crop development, reduce water losses, and contribute to more sustainable agricultural production. The study will focus on farmers’ adoption of irrigation scheduling practices, including determining appropriate irrigation intervals, monitoring soil moisture, considering crop water requirements, adjusting irrigation according to weather conditions, selecting suitable irrigation times, and controlling the duration and frequency of water application. It will also examine the role of extension services in providing farmers with relevant information, technical advice, demonstrations, and farm-level guidance on effective irrigation scheduling. A descriptive survey research design will be adopted for the study. The population will comprise farmers in the selected study area, from whom a representative sample will be selected using an appropriate sampling procedure. Data will be collected through a structured questionnaire designed to obtain information on farmers’ exposure to extension services and their adoption of irrigation scheduling practices. The data collected will be analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, mean, standard deviation, and an appropriate inferential statistical technique. The study is expected to reveal the level of farmers’ exposure to extension services and the extent to which they adopt recommended irrigation scheduling practices. It is also expected to identify areas where farmers demonstrate adequate or inadequate adoption, particularly in relation to irrigation timing, frequency, duration, soil moisture monitoring, crop water requirements, and adjustment of irrigation schedules. The findings will be useful to agricultural extension officers, agricultural development agencies, irrigation management institutions, farmers’ organizations, and policymakers by providing information on the contribution of extension services to improved irrigation scheduling. The findings may also assist extension personnel in developing practical training programmes, field demonstrations, and advisory activities aimed at improving farmers’ water management decisions. The study will conclude that extension services can provide farmers with relevant knowledge and technical guidance needed for effective irrigation scheduling. It will recommend regular extension visits, practical demonstrations, irrigation management training, and timely technical advice on irrigation intervals, soil moisture monitoring, crop water requirements, and appropriate irrigation timing to encourage farmers’ adoption of efficient irrigation scheduling practices.

Keywords: Extension services, farmers, irrigation scheduling, irrigation management, water management, water-use efficiency, soil moisture, crop water requirements, irrigation timing, irrigation frequency, agricultural extension, water conservation, crop production, farm management, irrigation practices.