Use of Weather Forecast Information among Maize Farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria

This study assessed the use of weather forecast information for maize production in Kwara State. A random sampling technique was used to select 160 maize farmers. Through a structured interview schedule, data were collected and analysed using mean, percentages, standard deviation and Pearson product-moment correlation. Findings revealed that 68% of the respondents had a favourable perception towards the use of weather forecast information, 18% had an unfavourable perception while 14% were neutral. Farmers accessed weather forecast information mainly from friends and family ( =3.19) and personal experience ( =3.16). Seasonal rainfall prediction ( =2.73) and temperature ( =2.69) were the most used weather forecast information.  Technicality of applying the information ( =2.54), inadequate internet access ( =2.53) and poor communication (=2.39) were constraints to use.  Correlation results revealed education (r = 0.35) and farming experience (r = 0.31) to be positively significant with access to weather forecast information. Similarly, education (r = 0.21) was positively significant with usage while age (r = -0.32) had negative significance. Encouraging maize farmers to utilize weather forecast information, especially the impact-based ones (flood, windstorm, drought) to make decisions and plans for their farming activities and training on the effective application of weather forecast information  to address farmers’ specific problems were recommended.