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COMMUNITY RADIO’S CONTRIBUTION TO AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION DISSEMINATION: A STUDY OF RADIO BENUE IN MAKURDI, BENUE STATE.

Abstract
This study examines the role of community radio in disseminating agricultural information, with a specific focus on Radio Benue (95.0 FM) in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. Recognized as the “Food Basket of the Nation,” Benue State relies predominantly on smallholder farming, yet farmers encounter persistent challenges, including limited access to modern agricultural techniques, market information, pest management strategies, and climate-smart practices, exacerbated by insufficient extension services and infrastructural deficiencies. Radio Benue serves as a cost-effective, accessible, and participatory platform for delivering timely agricultural content in local languages such as Tiv, Idoma, and English. The study adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys of 300 purposively selected farmers in Makurdi and adjacent rural areas to assess listenership, perceived utility, knowledge acquisition, and adoption rates, with qualitative content analysis of agricultural programs (e.g., those supported by BNARDA) broadcast between 2020 and 2025, aimed at identifying prevalent themes, program formats, and relevance to local needs. Data analysis will employ descriptive statistics (SPSS) and thematic analysis (NVivo), supplemented by key informant interviews with station personnel and extension agents. The anticipated outcomes will elucidate Radio Benue’s efficacy in addressing information disparities, shaping farming practices, and enhancing productivity, while also identifying limitations such as signal reach, program regularity, and audience interaction. The study concludes with policy and programming recommendations aimed at optimizing radio’s contribution to sustainable agricultural development in Benue State.

Chapter One

Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
Agriculture remains the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, employing over 70% of the rural population and contributing significantly to food security and GDP (National Bureau of Statistics, 2023). In Benue State, located in North-Central Nigeria, agriculture dominates livelihoods, with major crops including yam, rice, cassava, maize, and soybeans, earning the state the nickname “Food Basket of the Nation.” Smallholder farmers, however, grapple with low productivity due to inadequate access to timely, relevant information on improved seeds, fertilizers, pest control, climate-smart practices, and market dynamics (Danjuma & Agir, n.d.; Okwu et al., 2007).

Radio has long been recognized as a potent tool for agricultural extension in developing contexts, offering low-cost, wide reach, and the ability to deliver content in local languages to overcome literacy and infrastructural barriers (Chapman et al., 2003). Community radio, in particular, emphasizes participatory communication, community ownership or orientation, and relevance to grassroots needs, distinguishing it from commercial or state broadcasters (Myers, 2011). In Nigeria, the proliferation of FM stations post-deregulation has boosted community-oriented broadcasting, including agricultural programs that foster knowledge transfer and behavioral change.

Radio Benue, established as a state-owned station broadcasting on 95.0 MHz FM from Makurdi, serves as a key platform in Benue State. It airs dedicated agricultural programs, often in collaboration with the Benue Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (BNARDA), featuring topics like modern farming techniques, soil management, and seasonal advisories in English, Tiv, and other local languages (Danjuma et al., n.d.; Okwu et al., 2007). Studies specific to Radio Benue indicate high listenership among farmers, with 66% tuning in regularly and many finding programs relevant to their needs (Okwu et al., 2007). More recent assessments confirm its influence on farmers’ productivity and education.

Broader research in North-Central Nigeria underscores the efficacy of indigenous-language radio programs (e.g., in Tiv and Hausa) in driving behavioral change, exposing farmers to innovations, and improving practices. Community radio’s interactive formats phone-ins, interviews, and farmer testimonials enhance engagement, making it superior for dissemination in rural agrarian communities.

This study focuses on Radio Benue in Makurdi, examining its specific contributions amid evolving challenges like climate change, youth disinterest in farming, and limited extension worker reach.

1.2 Statement of the Problem
Agriculture remains central to Benue State’s economy, yet smallholder farmers continue to experience persistently low yields, significant post-harvest losses, and heightened vulnerability to shocks due to information asymmetries. Traditional agricultural extension services are severely under-resourced, reaching only a fraction of farmers, while digital alternatives remain largely inaccessible in rural areas plagued by unreliable internet connectivity and intermittent electricity supply.

Radio Benue serves as a key medium for disseminating agricultural information; however, critical gaps persist. These include inconsistent program scheduling, limited opportunities for farmer interactivity, language barriers for non-Tiv speakers, and competition from more entertainment-focused media. Previous research has documented Radio Benue’s positive impacts while identifying persistent constraints such as poor signal reception in remote areas and the occasional irrelevance of broadcasted content (Okwu et al., 2007). More recent studies in North-Central Nigeria emphasize that while indigenous-language programming can drive agricultural innovation, broader adoption hinges on sustained engagement through participatory formats.

The problem is particularly pronounced in Makurdi and surrounding regions, where rapid urbanization intersects with traditional rural farming practices, potentially diminishing the effectiveness of community radio outreach. A lack of up-to-date empirical data on Radio Benue’s current operational impact has created a research gap regarding its role in contemporary agricultural knowledge dissemination.

This study seeks to investigate whether and how Radio Benue contributes to effective information dissemination, farmer adoption of improved practices, and measurable improvements in agricultural productivity.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective is to evaluate community radio’s contribution to agricultural information dissemination, using Radio Benue in Makurdi as a case study.

Specific objectives include:

1. To assess the extent of listenership and access to agricultural programs on Radio Benue among farmers in the study area.
2. To identify the types and content of agricultural information disseminated by Radio Benue.
3. To examine the perceived usefulness and influence of these programs on farmers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices.
4. To investigate constraints to effective dissemination and utilization of agricultural information via Radio Benue.
5. To proffer recommendations for enhancing community radio’s role in agricultural development in Benue State.

1.4 Research Questions

1. To what extent do farmers in Makurdi and surrounding areas listen to and access agricultural programs on Radio Benue?
2. What categories of agricultural information are featured in Radio Benue’s programs?
3. How do farmers perceive the usefulness of Radio Benue’s agricultural broadcasts in improving their farming practices?
4. What are the major constraints faced by farmers in accessing and applying information from Radio Benue?
5. What strategies can improve Radio Benue’s contribution to agricultural information dissemination?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This research provides empirical evidence on community radio’s efficacy in agricultural extension, informing broadcasters, policymakers (e.g., BNARDA, National Broadcasting Commission), and development agencies. It contributes to literature on media for rural development in Nigeria, particularly in agrarian states like Benue.

Practically, findings can guide program redesign for greater impact, supporting food security and sustainable agriculture. For farmers, it highlights beneficial channels; for academia, it advances communication and agricultural extension studies.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study is delimited to Radio Benue’s agricultural programs and farmers in Makurdi metropolis and selected rural communities in Benue State. It covers recent broadcasts (e.g., 2020–2025) and focuses on crop and livestock information dissemination.

1.7 Limitations of the Study

Potential limitations include respondent recall bias, access to remote farmers, and seasonal variations in listenership. These will be mitigated through triangulation and random sampling.

1.8 Definition of Terms

• Community Radio: Local-oriented broadcasting serving community interests, often participatory and in indigenous languages.
• Agricultural Information Dissemination: The process of sharing knowledge on farming techniques, inputs, markets, etc., via media.
• Extension: Advisory services aiding farmers in adopting innovations for productivity.

References

Aba, J. I., Kuku, A. A., & Okwu, J. O. (2007). An assessment of use of radio in agricultural information dissemination: A case study of Radio Benue in Nigeria. African Journal of Agricultural Research, 2(1), 23–28. https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJAR/article-full-text-pdf/FD0063830934

Chapman, R., Slaymaker, T., & Young, J. (2003). Livelihoods approaches to information and communication in support of rural poverty elimination and food security. Overseas Development Institute.

Danjuma, N. U., Agir, H. M., Zubairu, E., & Agya, A. (2021). Role of radio agricultural programmes on farmers’ education: A case study of Radio Benue, Makurdi, Benue State. Journal of Agricultural Economics, Environment and Social Sciences, 7(2), 152–160. http://jaeess.com.ng/index.php/jaeess/article/view/116

Kuponiyi, F. A. (2000). Mass media and agricultural development: The place of radio. Journal of Rural Extension and Development.

Myers, M. (2011). Voices from villages: Community radio in the developing world. Ford Foundation.

National Bureau of Statistics. (2023). Nigeria agricultural sector report [or relevant annual agricultural statistics; adapt based on latest NBS data].

Okwu, O. J., Kuku, A. A., & Aba, J. I. (2007). An assessment of use of radio in agricultural information dissemination: A case study of Radio Benue in Nigeria. African Journal of Agricultural Research, 2(1), 23–28. https://www.academia.edu/76706333/An_assessment_of_use_of_radio_in_agricultural_information_dissemination_a_case_study_of_radio_Benue_in_Nigeria

Tarnaha, A., & Unongu, V. (2023). The influence of Radio Benue agricultural programmes on farmers’ productivity in Benue State. Benue Journal of Social Sciences, 9(1), 47–59. https://www.bsum.edu.ng/journals/bjss/vol9n1/files/5.pdf

Umeh, G. N., & others. (2021). Agricultural radio programmes in indigenous languages and agricultural productivity in North-Central Nigeria. Sustainability, 13(7), Article 3929. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13073929 (Focuses on Benue, Nasarawa, and Plateau States, including indigenous language broadcasts.)