Introduction

Extension Services Programme is responsible for the dissemination of relevant agricultural research information through use of various extension methods.

Activities

• Production of radio/television broadcast & Extension News Bulletins of Institute’s activities and developed technologies.

• Development, Revision & Updating of Extension guides, Leaflets and Bulletins.

• Establish demonstration plots with improved root and tuber crops production practices for students/farmers and visitors.

• Expose and sensitize Nigerian youths and farmers to career prospects in modern agricultural through guided tours to NRCRI farms, laboratories, engineering and exhibition units.

• Promote and project NRCRI relevance in National development through active participation in agricultural shows, field days, trade fairs, etc.

• Upgrade and strengthen knowledge and skills of extension staff and farmers on improved agricultural production and post harvest technologies through ad-hoc trainings.

• Asses the extent of adoption and socio-economic impact of NRCRI developed technologies and extension activities.

• Marketing extension services &  Feedback from Clientele to research.

Achievements

Dissemination of technologies from NRCRI and monitoring the extent of adoption  eg. Yam minisett technology, about 52% adoption.

New Extension Guides produced:

• Guide to Cocoyam production, processing, utilization and marketing.

• Guide to Sweet potato production, processing and utilization.

• Rapid multiplication of seed yam by minisett technique.

• Rapid multiplication methods for cassava and sweet potato.

• Use of soybean in the fortification of cassava cake and bread.

• Guide to cassava production in Nigeria.

• Guide to Ginger production and marketing in Nigeria.

• Agricultural Excursion Guide for use of Secondary School Students.

• Manual for Cassava root and stem production.

      Other bulletins:

• Mandate and Mission Statement of National Root Crops Research Institute.

• NEWS BULLETIN: Seven quarterly volumes of the NRCRI News Bulletin have   been produced between 2003 and 2006.

• Development of Market Information System (MIS) on root and tubers to guide stakeholders.

• Identification of market opportunities, evaluation, prototype development and test marketing for root and tuber crops and processed products.

• Trainings and seminars conducted on root and tuber crops production, processing and other activities in the farming systems. Over 25 communities in Abia, Anambra, Delta, Imo and Rivers States have been trained on cassava production and processing into value added products.

• Through guided excursion tours, some 27,003 youths were sensitized on the prospects of modern agriculture in 2004.

• Demonstration plots were established to showcase improved root & tuber crops & technologies from the Institute.

• Training of farmers and youths on bee keeping technology, mushroom production, and yam, cassava & sweet potato multiplication & production under the Abia State National Directorate of Employment (NDE) programmes.

Impact Assessment

• Farmers’ income and livelihood have been enhanced and job opportunities created. Over 70% of the rural dwellers in South Eastern Zone have become aware of the    numerous technologies developed by the Institute.

• NRCRI Umudike also enhanced the household income of the rural dwellers in its domain through engaging some 636, 163 and 3 staff on permanent, temporary and contract appointments, respectively in 2004 alone.

• Through the ADPs in the zone, low-input technologies aimed at making the rural women and youths self-employed, self-reliant and economically independent, were disseminated to generate income fast.

• Health and nutrition : Over 1,500 persons in the area have been immunized & administered with drugs against deadly diseases such as river blindness, yellow fever and meningitis by  the Medical Services of the Institute. They were also thought nutritional potentials of root & tuber crops and products. In this regard, the Institute has developed and disseminated root and tuber crop based food formula for the diabetic with water yam as well as fortification of root and tuber crop based products with soybean.

On-going projects

• Printing (of the already prepared) Extension Guides 

• Marketing research on root and tuber crops

• Gender factors in access and utilization of improved root and tuber crops technologies by farmers in South-East Nigeria

• Women participation in the adoption of yam minisett technology in South East of Nigeria.

• Extension of value added root/tuber crops products to women farmers in South East/ South South geopolitical zones.

• Evaluation of sweet potato flour technology development, transfer and utilization  systems in southeast Agro-Ecological Zone. (PhD Project)

• Popularizing NRCRI improved crop varieties through field days and workshops  in South-East Nigeria.

• Mushroom production for income generation and extension

Staff List (Scientific staff)

S/No.   Name                           Qualification     Specialization          E-mail

1.         Dr. G.N. Asumugha          PhD                   Agric. Economics        g.asumugha@nrcri.org      

2.         Dr. K.C. Ekwe                  PhD                   Agric. Extension          kcekwe@nrcri.org       

3.         Mrs. L.E.F. Amamgbo       MSc                  Agric. Extension          lefamangbo@nrcri.org

4.         Mr. E.O. Mbanaso            MSc                  Agric. Extension          eombanaso@nrcri.org  

5.         Mr. M.C. Okwusi              MSc                  Agric. Ext. Comm.       mosesokwusi@nrcri.org

6.         Mrs. H.N. Anyaegbunam   MSc                  Agric. Economics         helenkol8@nrcri.org     

7.         Mrs. A.G. Ironkwe            MSc                  Agric. Extension          adanmaglory@nrcri.org

8.         Mrs. F.N. Nwakor             Bsc                   Agric. Education 

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