This study analysed agricultural information utilization among rural sorghum
farmers in Benue State of Nigeria. Data were collected from randomly sampled 130
sorghum farmers in Benue State using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using
frequency distribution and percentages as well as chi-square test analysis. The study
showed that the sorghum farmers get information on sorghum farming mainly through
family (87.69%), farmers’ groups (86.15%), other farmers (75.38%) and extension agents
(63.85%). However, research institutes (15.38%) and universities (15.38%) have not put in
enough efforts to carry out their function of information generation and delivery to farmers.
Most of the sorghum farmers (80.77%) utilized information on all sorghum farming
operation while only a few (19.23%) did not use any of the information. The major
constraint to access to information by sorghum farmers in the study area included
inadequate extension contact (21.54%), ineffective communication (19.23%) and distance
from other farmers (15.38%). The result of the study showed that information sources and
information utilization among the sorghum farmers have significant relationship.
Furthermore, information types and frequency of information usage among the sorghum
farmers have significant relationship. Extension agency should encourage all sorghum
farmers to subscribe to the various sorghum farmers groups that abound in the state. This
will make information easily accessible to them. Extension agents should intensify their
efforts so as to spend much time to teach farmers on the areas of needs. Other method such
as mass media should be used regularly to disseminate information to sorghum farmers in
such a manner that the farmers will understand the message and information being
communicated to them. Universities and Research institutes should double efforts to ensure
that research results are passed on to the rural farmers in a much more accessible manner.