A PROPOSAL FOR THE USE OF THE PARTNERSHIP-EXTENSION MODEL TO FACILITATE ADOPTION OF THE INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TROPICAL AGRICULTURE'S PLANTAIN AND BANANA (MUSA SPP.) TECHNOLOGIES IN NIGERIA

Historically, extension work within Nigeria has been largely oriented towards a technology transfer or an advisory approach. However, neither pull nor push extension models have yet realized the potentials of agricultural innovations, especially that of plantain and banana (Musa spp.) cultivars. Empirical data on the adoption level of these cultivars in selected states of Southern Nigeria show that farmers have utilized less than 50% of the potential of technologies developed by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture. This paper presents Selesnew’s partnership model of extension as a measure for improving links with stakeholders. Specifically the paper reviews the process of agricultural information dissemination, identifies key actors and their roles, and draws implications for sustainable partnering. The paper concludes that both public and private extension personnel should be involved in initial surveys to identify different categories of plantain and banana farmers in Nigeria, form groups based on the intensity of production resources and provide economic and technical information to farmers.