Agricultural communication and the African non-literate farmer

This article examines Nigeria's need for improved agricultural production and underscores the strategic importance of the country's rural economy. It profiles the Nigerian non-literate farmer, critically re-examines the concept of literacy and considers the factor of the orally literate in agricultural communication. Of the various factors responsible for poor agricultural production, the article concentrates on the need for effective dissemination of scientific agricultural information. It works at the communication needs of the non-literate farmer and appraises communication and information flow within this environment. It then identifies the various channels by which the rural farmer can be reached and influenced. It submits on a final note that illiteracy in the Western sense does not preclude access to scientifically based agricultural information and adoption of improved agricultural practices.