EFFECT OF SIMLI RADION ON THE ADOPTION OF AGRICULTURE INNOVATIONS IN THE KUMBUNGU DISTRICT OF GHANA

Abstract

The contribution of Community Radio as a strategy for diffusing agricultural innovations cannot be overemphasized in Kumbungu district. The main objective of the study was to investigate the central importance of local radio network influence on convincing farmers to adopt agricultural innovation. It assessed the Role of Simli Radio in the dissemination of Agricultural Technologies amongFarmersinKumbungudistrictinNorthernGhana. Purposivesamplingtechniquewasused for selecting 140 respondents (80 males and 60 females). Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study showed that the respondents have different degree of accessibility to radio. Radio was found to be more accessible (100%) and also the major source (100%) of agricultural technologies to the farmers. The study further revealed that 95% of the respondents affirmed that ruralradiohasaneffectinthedisseminationandadoptionofagriculturaltechnologies. Thefactors militatingagainsttheeffectiveutilizationofinnovationscommunicatedbycommunityradiotothe farmers in the study area were also identified to be illiteracy, low income level, lack of credit facilities, and inadequate erratic power supply. To enhance the effectiveness of community radio in the dissemination of agricultural technologies for agricultural development in the study area there is need to strengthen the use of radio in information dissemination to farmers, more competent presenters who are knowledgeable in agriculture to handle agricultural programs.