Canadian Journal of Pure & Applied Sciences

Abstract: Effective linkage between extension practitioners and other stakeholders in the Research Extension Farmers Input linkage System (REFILS) is germane to increased agricultural productivity. Hence, the present study assessed the linkage methods of extension practitioners in Research –Extension –Farmers –Input linkage system in Nigeria. Seventy one (71) extension practitioners were randomly selected through a multi-stage sampling procedure and well structured questionnaire was used to elicit data which were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistic. Results indicated that the mean age of respondents was 43.8 years, majority were male (71.8%), married (91.9% ) and possessed HND/PGD (63.4%).The respondents’ linkage option was high (60%) and the training program ( mean = 2.54) ranked first among the list of the linkage options used by the respondents . There was a significant difference in the linkage options of the extension practitioners across the zones (F = 6.07, P = 0. 000) . It was concluded that extension practitioners utilized different linkage methods to interact with other stakeholders in REFILS and the need to intensify efforts on the linkage system with farmers in order to increase the rate of technologies dissemination was recommended.