ABSTRACT
The study examined the role of extension agents in rural transformation in Edo State. Five research questions were raised to guide the study. Descriptive survey research design was employed for the study and census sampling method was used to select the sample size. The area covered has one hundred and five (105) extension agents. By census sampling, all the 105 respondents were used. A well-structured questionnaire designed by the researcher was the major instrument used for data collection. The questionnaire was validated by the supervisor. The reliability index was determined through Cronbach Alpha which was thereafter established to be 0.76. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics of mean score analysis.
The results of the findings show that extension agents play a crucial role in catalyzing rural transformation by empowering rural dwellers, fostering innovation and promoting inclusive and sustainable development in rural areas. Also, the change agents help farmers and other rural people to access market by providing information on market trend, prices, healthcare, road, pipe borne water, thereby helping in reduction of rural – urban drift. Similarly, inadequate resources, both human and material, language and communication barrier, lack of operational vehicles, bad road and insecurity were also identified by the researcher.
It was recommended that, donor agencies and all tiers of government should intensify more effort in area of funding, the change agents should also intensify effort at enlightening the rural dwellers for continued mutual relationship with their visitors. Operational vehicles and other working tools as well as security to be provided for the extension agents.
