Analysis of Factors Associated With the Privatization and Commercialization (P and C) of Agricultural Extension Services
The study examined the factors associated with the P and C of agricultural extension services. The study was conducted in Delta State, Nigeria. A sample size of 134 extension professionals of the Delta State Agricultural Development Programmed (DTADP) was used for the study. Data for the study were collected through the use of validated questionnaire. Content validation of the research instrument was done by a team of expert in agricultural extension. A pilot test was conducted as part of instrument validation to test for reliability of the research instrument. Data generated by the study were analyzed using the exploratory factor analysis with iteration and varimax rotation. Variables with coefficient of 0.40 or more were regarded as high loading. Results of the study reveal that the three main factors associated with the P and C of agricultural extension services include: unfavourable economic environment, misgivings about private agencies, and government administrative and policy inadequacies. Specific issues highlighting these factors were also identified by the study. The study recommends that these P and C factors should be given adequate attention by governments and relevant stakeholders before embarking on any form of P and C arrangement.
