Major Agricultural Matters and Innovations Transmitted by AM and FM Radio Stations in Kaduna and Kano States

Abstract

The study was conducted to identify significant agricultural topics and innovations disseminated by select AM and FM radio stations in Kaduna and Kano States. The results were analyzed and presented thematically. Findings indicated that AM and FM stations source agricultural information from experts and share farmers' experiences on agricultural matters and innovations, including good agronomic practices, livestock, irrigation farming, and market information on agricultural commodity prices. However, the programs lack a feedback mechanism, as they operate on a one-way information flow (top-down approach). Additionally, most agricultural radio programs follow a one-way communication model. Listeners expressed the need for more opportunities for immediate inquiries and feedback, even though some stations provide phone numbers for short message service (SMS) to request further clarifications. Nevertheless, responses to these inquiries were not read aloud during the next edition of the program. The researchers concluded that the frequency of airing radio programs is crucial for sharing development messages and encouraging adoption. The effectiveness of a dissemination channel depends on how many farmers receive the information and how positively it influences their decisions to adopt a given technology. Therefore, the researchers recommended that program producers update their information to prevent over-repetition of editions and maintain audience engagement. Agricultural radio programs should also incorporate feedback mechanisms, such as using GSM phones and SMS, to encourage greater interaction.