ROLE OF RADIO KOGI OCHAJA’S PROGRAMME, IKO AMELUCHE, IN THE PROMOTION OF AGRICULTURE IN ANYIGBA COMMUNITY

ABSTRACT This study examined the role of Radio Kogi Ochaja in promoting agricultural communication among farmers in the Anyigba community. The primary focus was to assess the impact of the agricultural programme Iko Ameluche in enhancing farmers’ knowledge, improving agricultural practices, and addressing communication gaps in the agricultural sector. The study was guided by the Development Communication Theory and the Diffusion of Innovations Theory, which emphasize the importance of participatory communication and the gradual adoption of new practices through reliable information dissemination. A survey research design was adopted, and a sample size of 380 respondents was drawn from the projected population of Anyigba using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using frequency and percentage tables. The findings revealed that the majority of farmers in Anyigba have access to radio and are frequently exposed to the Iko Ameluche programme. The programme was found to deliver relevant agricultural communication that significantly influences farmers’ practices, enhances awareness of modern farming methods, and provides useful solutions to common farming challenges. The study concluded that Radio Kogi Ochaja, through Iko Ameluche, plays a pivotal role in bridging the agricultural information gap and contributes meaningfully to rural development in Anyigba. The study recommends that community radio stations like Radio Kogi Ochaja should receive more support in terms of funding and technical resources to sustain and expand their agricultural communication programmes.