THE IMPACT OF AGRICULTURAL SERVICES AND TRAINING CENTRES (ASTC) ON AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION IN PLATEAU STATE
Guluwa, Shadrach Ezekiel & Jimmy, Vincent Gambo
Department of Economics
Plateau State University Bokkos, Nigeria
Email: vincentgambo@gmail.com
Corresponding author: Jimmy, Vincent Gambo
ABSTRACT
This paper looks at the impact of Agricultural Services and Training Centre (ASTC) on agricultural production in Plateau State of Nigeria. To achieve this, a descriptive survey method was used to collect primary data through the use of questionnaires. The study discovered that ASTC has contributed significantly to increase in the level of maize, Irish potatoes, yam, rice, poultry and other livestock in Plateau State as a result of the introduction of ASTC. It was also discovered that the problems militating against the proper working of the ASTC include insufficient funding, equipment and personnel, inadequate awareness about the programme, operational inefficiency and poor coordination of the activities of the ASTC. Hence, the paper calls for the provision of more funding, equipment and personnel to the ASTC and more awareness about the existence of the programme. The paper also recommended further that the ASTC staff should strive towards achieving operational efficiency and good coordination of its activities.
