UTILISATION OF AGRO-CLIMATOLOGICAL INFORMATION AMONG FARMERS IN OYO STATE, NIGERIA

ABSTRACT This study investigate the accessibility and utilization of agroclimatological information among smallholder farmers in Oyo State, Nigeria, focusing on its impact on agricultural decisionmaking. A descriptive survey research design was employed, sampling 150 registered farmers across three agricultural zones (Ibadan/Ibarapa, Ogbomosho, and Oyo) using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire, validated by experts and tested for reliability with Cronbach’s alpha r= 0.80. Descriptive statistics (r=0.8) (frequencies, percentages, and means) and inferential statistics (Pearson Product Moment Correlation and ANOVA) were used for analysis. Findings revealed that farmers, predominantly engaged in mixed farming, have moderate socio-economic status but exhibit low awareness and moderate utilisation of agroclimatological information. Major sources of information include radio, television, extension agents, and farmers’ associations, while digital platforms like WhatsApp and Twitter were less utilised. Key challenges include unreliable access, inadequate infrastructure, limited technical knowledge, and language barriers. A significant positive correlation (r = .580, p < .05) was found between awareness and utilisation, with mixed cropping and fishery farmers showing higher utilisation than poultry and crop-only farmers (F(3, 146) = 2.723, p = .047). The study recommended enhanced educational programmes, improved extension services, investment in rural infrastructure, and simplified, localised information dissemination to boost farmers’ effective use of agroclimatological information. Word counts: 208 Key words: Agroclimatological information, smallholder farmers, agricultural decisionmaking, awareness, utilization, information sources