Group Viability in Agricultural Extension Programmes

The use of groups in discharging agricultural extension activities have been considered a veritable tool in the achievement of Programme/Project Development Objectives (PDO). There are numerous benefits attached to groups, hence ensuring the sustained existence of these groups becomes expedient. Owing to the huge financial, material and human resources sunk in intervention programmes in Nigeria, ROOT and Tuber Expansion Programme (RTEP) inclusive, it is imperative that groups are nurtured and sustained to guarantee attainment of programme objectives. Hence, the study identified factors that promote group viability. With intervention programmes ongoing and more still to be implemented,this assessment exposes plausible factors responsible for group viability under RTEP. With this in view policy makers, programme formulators,academics and stakeholders in programme/project planning, monitoring and evaluation will have ample information that will enhance group viability when groups are used to drive objectives of agricultural and rural development interventions.