Agricultural Extension Service Gaps and Implications for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods in Coastal Communities of Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines agricultural extension service gaps in coastal communities and analyses their implications for sustainable rural livelihoods using a descriptive–analytical and econometric approach. Field-based data were collected from 120 farm households in the coastal communities of Ekowe and Nangiama in the Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. Descriptive results reveal that fewer than 30% of farmers reported regular access to extension agents, while over 70% indicated inadequate farm visits and limited exposure to training programmes and ICT-based advisory services. The descriptive results indicate that inadequate extension staffing, poor frequency of farm visits and limited access to training programmes, and weak use of information and communication technologies significantly constrain farmers’ productivity, income diversification, and resilience. Econometric results from an Ordinary Least Squares regression show that extension contact frequency has a positive effect on farm productivity (β = 0.214), whereas the extension service gap index exerts a negative influence on productivity (β = −0.176). Graphical analysis further demonstrates that higher extension contact is associated with improved livelihood sustainability. The findings further indicate that deficiencies in extension delivery significantly constrain productivity, income diversification, and resilient livelihood. The study concludes that strengthening agricultural extension delivery systems, through improved staffing, regular farm visits, and digital integration, is essential for promoting sustainable rural development in the Ekowe Community.