Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication Technology
School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology (SAAT) • Federal University of Technology, Akure
About the Department
The Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication Technology at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) is a pioneering center for agricultural education and rural development in Nigeria. Our program bridges the critical gap between agricultural research and practical application in farming communities across the nation.
Agricultural Extension Services are vital for Nigeria's agricultural transformation, providing farmers with the information, knowledge, and skills needed to adopt modern and improved agricultural practices. Our curriculum integrates traditional extension methods with cutting-edge information and communication technologies (ICT) to enhance knowledge dissemination and agricultural productivity.
The department focuses on the comprehensive study of agricultural systems, communication strategies, extension education methodologies, rural sociology, and agricultural innovation diffusion. We train extension officers, agricultural educators, communication specialists, and rural development practitioners who serve as catalysts for agricultural transformation and food security.
Our graduates work with government agencies, international development organizations, agricultural research institutes, agribusiness companies, and non-governmental organizations to improve farming practices, increase agricultural productivity, enhance farmers' income, and contribute to Nigeria's economic growth and sustainable development.
What We Offer
Academic Programs
- B.Tech in Agricultural Extension and Communication Technology - 4-year undergraduate program
- M.Tech in Agricultural Extension and Communication Technology - Postgraduate studies
- Ph.D. in Agricultural Extension - Doctoral research programs
- Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) - Professional development
Specialized Training Areas
- Extension Education and Adult Learning
- Agricultural Communication and Media
- Rural Sociology and Community Development
- ICT Applications in Agriculture
- Agricultural Innovation and Technology Transfer
- Farmer Training and Capacity Building
- Agricultural Policy and Program Planning
- Agribusiness Development and Entrepreneurship
Practical Training Facilities
Communication Studio
Radio production, video editing, multimedia content creation
ICT Training Lab
Digital agriculture tools, mobile apps, GIS applications
Community Outreach Center
Field demonstrations, farmer training programs, workshops
Research Focus Areas
Our department conducts impactful research to strengthen agricultural extension systems and improve rural livelihoods:
ICT and Digital Agriculture
Development and utilization of mobile applications, social media platforms, e-extension systems, and digital tools for agricultural information dissemination and farmer advisory services in the digital age.
Agricultural Innovation Adoption
Studies on factors influencing farmers' adoption of improved agricultural technologies, analysis of innovation diffusion patterns, and strategies to accelerate uptake of sustainable farming practices.
Extension Education and Adult Learning
Research on effective teaching methods for farmers, participatory extension approaches, farmers' learning preferences, and capacity building strategies for agricultural extension workers and rural communities.
Agricultural Communication Strategies
Development of effective communication campaigns, media utilization in agriculture, indigenous knowledge documentation, and communication strategies for climate change adaptation and food security messaging.
Rural Development and Livelihoods
Assessment of rural development programs, poverty alleviation strategies, gender mainstreaming in agriculture, youth engagement in farming, and sustainable livelihood enhancement in rural communities.
Agricultural Policy and Impact Assessment
Analysis of agricultural extension policies, program evaluation, impact assessment of extension interventions, and policy recommendations for strengthening extension service delivery systems.
Climate-Smart Agriculture Extension
Extension strategies for promoting climate-resilient farming practices, farmers' adaptation to climate change, sustainable agricultural intensification, and environmental conservation education.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of Agricultural Extension and Communication Technology enjoy diverse career opportunities in both public and private sectors:
Agricultural Extension Officer
Government extension services, state ADPs, federal ministry of agriculture, providing technical support and training to farmers
Agricultural Communication Specialist
Media houses, agricultural programs, farm radio, agricultural journalism, content creation for agricultural platforms
International Development Organizations
FAO, World Bank, IFAD, USAID, NGOs working on agricultural development and food security projects
Research & Academia
Universities, agricultural research institutes, IITA, CGIAR centers, extension research and teaching positions
Agribusiness & Private Sector
Input companies, agro-allied industries, farmer training coordinators, outgrower scheme managers
Community Development Officer
Rural development agencies, cooperative societies, community-based organizations, grassroots development programs
Agricultural ICT Specialist
Agri-tech companies, digital agriculture platforms, e-extension services, agricultural app development
Agricultural Consultant
Independent consultancy, project management, program evaluation, agricultural policy advisory services
Entrepreneurship & Self-Employment
Agricultural training centers, consultancy firms, farm advisory services, agricultural media production
Course Materials & Resources
Find Your Materials in the General Library
All lecture notes, past questions, textbooks, and study packs for every level of Agricultural Extension and Communication Technology now live in one place — the LEGACY General Library.
Go to General Library