ABSTRACT
The research apprises broadcast media as means of
disseminating agricultural information to the farmers in Obokun Local
Government area of Osun State. In
a country like Nigeria, Malaysia and India, where literacy level is low, the
choice of communication media is of vital importance. In this regard the
television and radio are significant, as they transfer modern agricultural
technology to literate and illiterate farmers alike even in interior areas,
within short time to enlighten farmers on the use of various technologies to
boost agricultural development. In this paper, an attempt is made to deal about
the importance of radio and television and their effect in the field of
agriculture through sound communication. Diffusion of innovation, agenda
setting theory and source credibility theories were used to justify the
relevance of the broadcast media in agricultural information especially to the
rural dwellers. However, the researcher adopted survey method in carrying out
this research with 120 administered questionnaires to the selected respondents
within the council area via multi-stage sampling technique. The data collected
were analyzed and interpreted using descriptive statistics. Findings show that
the people of Obokun local government are having access to at least two (2)
television stations and at least 3-4 radio stations. Larger percentage said
they listen to agricultural progrommes on broadcast media to some extent. Radio
and television should mobilise community to the best agriculture practices
through appropriate message and information needed to boost agricultural
awareness among people while it is also expected of the broadcast media
translate agricultural information into users local language that farmers can
digest and understand.
