COMMUNITY RADIO AND THE PROMOTION OF AGRICULTURE IN NIGERIA

This study, titled “Community Radio and the Promotion of Agriculture in Benue State of Nigeria: A Study of Choice FM 93.3,” evaluated the role of community radio in promoting agriculture in Obi Local Government Area, Benue State. The research used a survey design and questionnaires for data collection. Findings indicated that informational formats like interviews and news are highly valued for agricultural promotion on Choice FM 93.3. These agricultural programs are instrumental in enhancing agriculture by encouraging the rearing of crops and livestock, introducing new crop varieties and cultivation mechanisms, and promoting improved livestock breeds and healthy rearing practices. They also raise awareness about fertilizers, agrochemicals, livestock feeds, and vaccines. However, listeners identified challenges such as insufficient airtime for other agricultural issues and a lack of interactivity between presenters and farmers. The study concluded that Choice FM 93.3 plays a crucial role in agricultural promotion in Obi LGA, enhancing agricultural practices, introducing new varieties and cultivation methods, and promoting healthy rearing practices and awareness about agriculture.