Journal of Emerging Trends in Educational Research and Policy Studies (JETERAPS) 4(2):333-337 (ISSN:2141-6990) 333 Impact Assessment of Adult Education Scheme on Agricultural Productivity in South-Western, Nigeria Apata O.M and G.A Shitu Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension Services, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti. Nigeria. Corresponding Author: Apata O.M ___________________________________________________________________________ Abstract Education is very necessary for man in order to articulate himself and achieve fullness. But the formal system, which is elitist, discriminatory and instalmental, cannot alone provide all education one needs for self- fulfillment. Adult education scheme suppose to equip farmers for better productivity. This research is designed to determine impact of the scheme on the participating farmers in relation to their agricultural productivity. On this note, the study assessed the impact of Adult Education scheme on Agricultural productivity in Southwestern Nigeria. A well structured questionnaire was used in collecting data from 60 respondents each of those that participate in adult education scheme and Non adult education respondents. Data collected was analyzed with the use of descriptive statistics as well as Chi-square and t-test to assess the impact of the scheme on respondents’ productivity. The result of analyses reveals that farmers that participate in adult education programme have high productivity than Non-adult education participants. Recommendations were made to encourage adult education so as to reduce illiteracy as well as improving standard of living of the populace through increase productivity. __________________________________________________________________________________________ Keywords: adult education, vocational education, agricultural productivity, farmers and participation __________________________________________________________________________________________ INTRODUCTION There is no gainsaying the fact that Agriculture serves as the mainstay of Nigeria economy (Odebode, 2004). Economy of Nigeria is historically based on Agriculture and about 70% of the work force is still engage in farming and farm related activities. Ogen (2007) affirms that a strong and an efficient Agricultural sector would enable the country to feed its growing population, generate employment, and earn foreign exchange as well as providing raw materials for industries. Egbugara (1990) reported that about 60% of the population is engaged in agriculture in one form or the other and this has consequently influenced the educational policy and practices of the country. There is a need to reduce importation of food commodities from other countries. Okeke 2004 reported that it is unfortunate that the food import bill has been on the increase and recently 800 million naira was approved by the Federal Government for the importation of rice. This can be reduced by increase production of rice through new or improved farming technologies. CBN (2008) reported that value of non-oil exports stood at N 38.2billion and 66.6 percent of this was accounted for by Agricultural produce. However, the need for increased productivity in Agricultural sector of Nigerian economy can be achieved through effective agricultural education. O’Connor (1957:7) sees the educational system of any society as an elaborate social mechanism designed to bring about in the persons submitted to it certain skills and attitudes that are adjudged to be useful and desirable in the society. As a result of the necessity for education, there has been the view that one who ceases to learn ceases to exist although the one may be living. According to Freire (1974:3-4) to “exist” is more than to “live” because it means being in the world and at the same time with the world. Thus, one who exists has attributes of transcending, discerning, communicating and participating with others who exist whereas one who is merely living does not possess these critical attributes. Therefore, one whose development of knowledge ceases has also stopped to exist, he is merely living. One of the major problems facing Agricultural productivity in Nigeria is illiteracy. This connotes a popular saying that Illiteracy is a disease. This over the years has posed great challenges to Agricultural development as well as productivity. Agricultural practices in Nigeria are generally affected by level of literacy of those practicing it especially in rural areas of the nation. Extension and research works are more tedious with low level of literacy of farmers. Although farmers usually have rich knowledge of local conditions and valuable practical knowledge or experience of how best to successfully exploit their environment, they require innovation information generated from research and development to boost their productivity (Apata, 2010). Olawoye (1996) observed that Agricultural messages could enhance the productivity of farmers when they have access to it. This could be achieved through well equipped Journal of Emerging Trends in Educational Research and Policy Studies (JETERAPS) 4(2): 333-337 © Scholarlink Research Institute Journals, 2013 (ISSN: 2141-6990) jeteraps.scholarlinkresearch.org