Marketing Extension Services’ Needs of Root and Tuber Crop Farmers in Abia State, Nigeria

The study assessed the agricultural marketing extension services’ needs of root and tuber crop farmers in Abia State , Nigeria . It describe d the socio economic characteristics of root and tuber crop farmers and identified the marketing extension services’ needs of root and tuber crop farmers in the state ; it ascertained the marketing measures through which farmers’ needs can be met . It employed public opinion survey using a structured questionnaire as instrument for data collect ion. It used a multistage sampling technique to select a sample of three hundred and eighty seven ( farmers . Descriptive analysis was adopted in analyzing the data collected. The findings showed that farmers were constantly in need of updated marketing extension services which include cooperatives ( x ̅ = 2.49), credit (x ̅ = 2.47), information (x ̅ = 2.77), market linkage (x ̅ = 2.91), storage ((x ̅ = 2.97), processing ((x ̅ = 2.86),, transportation ((x ̅ = 2.63),, programme to expand consumption((x ̅ = 2.68) and grading and standardization services (x ̅ = 2.67). Therefore, for extension workers to really assist farmers in this regard, it is important to assess from the farmer ‘s perspective the areas in which assistance is needed for root and tuber produce marketing . This is because program me s and services can be effective only when they meet real needs. It was recommended that organizations and agencies providing marketing extension services (ADPs, Research institutes, Universities, NGOs etc) should do so in accordance with famers’ needs. Governments should develop, support and promote training in marketing skills and services for farmers in the study area.