ISSN 2360-798X
Abstract
Accepted 24Th June, 2019.
Agricultural extension is the transfer of improved technologies to the farmers to enhance all sectors of agricultural production. Information, language and communication are vital Ingredients needed for an effective transfer of these technologies that are researched to boost agricultural production. For farmers to utilize such, they must first have access to them in their farming system through appropriate use of language and efficient communication strategies. Hence, for effective extension programmes in Nigeria language and efficient communication skills are’ vital ingredients through the use of suitable communication models. Agricultural Extension Agents must he fluent in language; both spoken and written to meet up the professional ethics of the discipline. They should also remove all “Blocks” or “Barriers” to communication delivery in their activities or programmes. They should understand that human communication is unique. in that in language, the use of verbal and non-verbal symbols takes place. There are two types of extension communication which form the goal of agricultural extension programmes, namely: informative communication- aimed at increasing the former’s knowledge and understanding of a subject matter, and persuasive communication directed towards inducing the farmers to think, feel or act in a manner selected by the extension worker. The former is used usually at the interpersonal level while the later at group or mass level.
Keywords: Agricultural Extension Agents, Agricultural Extension Programme, Communication and Language