Abstract

The success of the participatory approach to extension in Nigeria is threatened by poor willingness among farmers to sustain active membership of groups particularly in the absence of ongoing developmental projects on which to converge. The objectives of the study were to identify beekeepers? reasons for association membership; ascertain the level of satisfaction of members; assess the level of group cohesion, andidentify the constraints to cohesion. A two-stage random sampling technique was used to select 151 respondents across beekeepers? associations in the state. Data were obtained through a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and the Pearson?s Product Moment Correlation were used to analyse data collected. The results revealed that all the beekeepers? associations were not limited by size, membership was open, and the average membership size was 31. Opportunity to share information was the most important reason why beekeepers joined the associations (Mean Score=3.46). The study concluded that though membership satisfaction was low (Mean score =2.59), the level of cohesion was fair (Means Score=3.61). Members? satisfaction, mode of group formation and age of the associations significantly influenced group cohesion at p<0.01. The study recommended that the moderate level of cohesion could be improved through training of members on group dynamics.

PDF