Impact of Ashi waves FM 'Tom Sule" Radio Programme on Agricultural Development in Katsina-Ala LGA, Benue State, Nigeria

SIAR-Global Journal of Engineering & Agricultural Review (GJEAR) www.siarpublications.org [email protected] Vol. 1 Issue 1 Sept.-Oct. 2025 69 Official Publication of the Society of Innovative Academic ResearchersSIAR PUBLICATIONS Advancing Real-Time Innovative Knowledge Globally. Copyright ©SIAR Publications. All rights Reserved. Impact of Ashi waves FM ‘Tom Sule” Radio Programme on Agricultural Development in Katsina-Ala LGA, Benue State, Nigeria. Marcus P.T. & Vitalis Selumun Tor 1Plateau State University Bokkos, Nigeria; 2Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State Nigeria [email protected] ABSTRACT Enhanced knowledge in agricultural production and food security is closely associated with access to timely and high-quality agricultural information. This study examines how the Tom Sule agricultural programme on Ashi Waves FM promotes agricultural development in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area(LGA),Benue State, Nigeria. The study is anchored on The Development Media Theory, emphasizing the active role of farmers in seeking agricultural information through radio as a developmental tool for rural empowerment and agricultural advancement. A total of 346 participants were sampled and responded to a semi-structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings reveal that the programme's primary audience was predominantly male, married, and over 40 years old. The findings collectively suggest that enhancing the "Tom Sule" programme’s impact requires multiple strategic interventions. Increasing the volume and variety of content, ensuring reliable power supply, securing stakeholder support, and improving personnel training are all critical strategies. Prioritizing these interventions in alignment with audience needs and contextual constraints will likely lead to a more effective and influential programme. The findings → also reveal that the Tom Sule agricultural program enjoys widespread listenership and has positively influenced agricultural practices across the study area. Despite this, several challenges have limited the full use of the disseminated information. These include issues related to the → timing of the programme, insufficient resources, and the limited number of broadcast days, which affect its accessibility and impact. To maximise the programme’s impact, the scheduling should → prioritize evening broadcasts and tailor the content to align with the linguistic preferences of the majority that will foster greater understanding, facilitate practical application, and enhance the programme’s overall impact in supporting agricultural development in the study area. The study concludes that although radio remains the primary medium(65.9%) of the audience, infrastructural, linguistic, and educational challenges continue to impede the programme’s effectiveness in supporting agricultural development. Based on these findings, the study recommends a comprehensive review of the program’s content and schedule. Additionally, it calls for increased support from the government and stakeholders to enhance the program’s outreach and effectiveness in empowering farmers and fostering agricultural development in Benue State. Keywords: Agricultural Activities, Impact, Ashi Waves, FM Radio, Intervention 70 Official Publication of the Society of Innovative Academic ResearchersSIAR PUBLICATIONS Advancing Real-Time Innovative Knowledge Globally. Copyright ©SIAR Publications. All rights Reserved. INTRODUCTION The ability of radio to reach large audiences with relative ease and immediacy has made it an indispensable tool in communicating vital information to the public, especially in rural and agricultural contexts. In particular, radio broadcasting has been recognized for its effectiveness in supporting agriculture and rural development programs. This is due to its distinct advantages over other forms of communication, such as its wide reach, accessibility, and the capacity to engage listeners across different socio-economic backgrounds (Sanusi et al., 2021). In regions such as East, West, and Southern Africa, radio has played a crucial role in initiatives aimed at poverty reduction, peace-building, and the promotion of educational programs, particularly during disasters and outbreaks like the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, it has been used to facilitate the adoption of modern farming techniques, improve marketing strategies, and foster socio-political and economic development. Through these roles, radio serves as a vital voice for rural communities, providing them with the information needed to improve their livelihoods and address socio-economic challenges. Radio has an immediate effect, and it has been identified as the medium of mass communication which the rural population is very familiar with. This is because a radio set is cheap to obtain and is widely owned in rural areas where farmers dwell in higher populations. Moreover, radio is preferred as a means of communication in rural communities due to its perceived benefits, firstly, overcoming the limitations of illiteracy, and secondly, requiring less cognitive effort compared to print media messages (Chen & Lu, 2020). It is also observed that farmers face inherent disadvantages when they lack accurate information regarding developments in the agriculture sector. This implies that relevant information plays an important role in meeting the quantitative and qualitative goals of agriculture in the 21st century. In view of this, it is an important means used in the realization of any objective set by an individual or group. This is because information equips one with the knowledge needed to overcome challenges and take the appropriate step at the right time. Through various developmentally oriented programmes disseminated by various radio stations, it is expected that development will be triggered in rural areas to enhance agriculture as a whole, which can serve as a catalyst for the development of one’s self and society at large. It is as a result of the agricultural information needs of the people who stand to develop Katsina-Ala LGA in Benue State that the study is deemed relevant. The deregulation of the media landscape in 1992 significantly transformed radio broadcasting in Nigeria by breaking the government's monopoly and encouraging the rise of private radio stations. One notable example is Ashi Waves Radio FM 99.9, established in 2011 in Katsina-Ala, Benue State, by Dr. Terkula Suswam. As part of its corporate social responsibility, the station initiated the Tom Sule agricultural programme, which airs weekly on Tuesdays from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm. This program was designed to bridge the information gap left by the decline of agricultural extension services and to enhance agricultural knowledge among farmers in Benue State. Through the provision of educational content on best agricultural practices, the station aims to improve farming yields and contribute to the overall development of the local agricultural sector. Meanwhile, Tom Sule is a term derived from the Tiv language, where "Tom" translates to "work" and "Sule" means "farm" or "farming." Thus, the phrase "Tom Sule" broadly refers to agricultural labour or farm work. The specific interpretation of the term can vary depending on the type of 71 Official Publication of the Society of Innovative Academic ResearchersSIAR PUBLICATIONS Advancing Real-Time Innovative Knowledge Globally. Copyright ©SIAR Publications. All rights Reserved. farming or agricultural activities in which an individual is engaged. This nomenclature underscores the central role of labour in farming practices within the Tiv community, reflecting both the physical effort involved and the diverse forms of agricultural engagement in the region. There are schools of thought who argue that radio is a conduit for Western cultural products like music and advertisements, which suppress rural development-oriented local content (Laor, 2022; Glantz, 2016). On the other hand, there are those who believe that radio has taken the government and its policies closer to the rural people than in the days back and therefore, helped to raise the level of awareness among the rural people about government policies, national and international events (Fombad, & Jiyane, 2019). Therefore, this study seeks to ascertain if Ashi Waves FM Station and its associated Tom Sule programme will bring agricultural development to Benue State, given the enormous potential in terms of natural and human resources that make it the food basket of the nation. Thus, this study examines the intervention of Ashi Waves FM Radio through the Tom Sule Agricultural programme which is a platform to provide information and interact with farmers to enhance Agricultural development in Benue State as the food basket of the nation. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK The study is anchored on The Development Media Theory. The theory originated in the latter part of the 20th century, under the influence of prominent researchers such as Wilbur Schramm, Daniel Lerner, and Everett Rogers (Bah, 2008). The theory proposes that media should actively contribute to the advancement of developing countries, especially in distributing information that promotes social, economic, and political growth. Contrary to the libertarian view that promotes limited government involvement, the development media theory promotes media's role in supporting government development agendas and promoting community engagement (Hanitzsch & Vos, 2018). Significantly, although the idea emphasizes the potential of media as a vehicle for development, it frequently fails to acknowledge the dangers associated with government control, such as censorship and propaganda (Kadiri et al., 2015). Development media theory is extremely pertinent in the context of radio. The extensive coverage and easy accessibility of radio make it a highly successful medium for educational and informational programs, particularly in remote regions (Sanusi et al., 2021). The theory emphasizes that the media play a crucial role in supporting the process of economic development in emerging countries. For example, agricultural broadcast on stations such as Ashi Waves FM have the potential to equip farmers with information regarding contemporary farming methods, therefore stimulating agricultural progress. Nonetheless, the effectiveness of these activities relies on the caliber, pertinence, and availability of the content (Ajaegbu et al., 2015). The theory also highlights the significance of media in promoting societal advancement, specifically in less developed countries. This notion can be rigorously examined within the framework of agricultural development programs broadcast via Ashi Waves FM radio in Benue State as stated below. First and foremost, it is crucial to identify the available programs for agricultural growth on Ashi Waves FM. Development media theory argues that media should give priority to information that actively promotes the advancement of a nation (Isika et al., 2023). This encompasses instructional initiatives focused on enhancing agricultural methods, managing pests, and promoting sustainable approaches. Evaluating the diversity and excellence of the programs on Ashi Waves FM can provide insights into how effectively the station adheres to the ideals of development media theory. The absence of comprehensive or regular agricultural content indicates a disparity between 72 Official Publication of the Society of Innovative Academic ResearchersSIAR PUBLICATIONS Advancing Real-Time Innovative Knowledge Globally. Copyright ©SIAR Publications. All rights Reserved. theoretical knowledge and practical application (Fidelugwuowo, 2021). Furthermore, the degree of consciousness among farmers in Katsina-Ala LGA regarding these programs is a vital measure. The development media idea posits that media should proactively distribute information that is advantageous to the public. If farmers lack awareness of the agricultural information programming, it suggests that the station's outreach strategies have failed. Macnamara (2005) stated that this gap can arise due to various circumstances, including insufficient signal coverage, unattractive program formats, or inadequate advertising of the programs. Meanwhile, efficient awareness efforts are crucial in closing this gap, guaranteeing that vital information reaches the desired target group. In addition, it is crucial to comprehensively analyse the difficulties encountered by Ashi Waves FM in distributing agricultural information. Development media theory recognises the possible challenges that media organizations may face, such as budgetary limitations, political intervention, or a shortage of qualified staff (Kadiri et al., 2015). Identifying these hurdles can reveal underlying systemic problems that impede the station's ability to act as a catalyst for development. To improve the effectiveness of media in supporting agricultural advancement, it is crucial to address these difficulties. The practical impact of the programming given by Ashi Waves FM can be assessed by evaluating the level to which Benue State farmers make use of the agricultural knowledge offered. The philosophy of development media promotes the use of media content that results in concrete enhancements in individuals' lives. Snow et al. (2023) further observed that if farmers are not utilizing the information, it may suggest problems with the relevancy, accessibility, or comprehensibility of the content. It is essential to evaluate whether the programs are customised to the specific circumstances of the area and if they offer practical insights that farmers can easily put into practice. Overall, this theory posits that the media's main objective is to foster societal advancement (which include agricultural development as it is the major source of livelihood among rural dwellers in Nigeria) particularly at the grassroots level. This is in tandem with the objective of this study. METHODOLOGY The study was conducted in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State. The LGA was created in 1976, and is a town nestled along the River Katsina-Ala, which is predominantly inhabited by the Tiv, Etulo, and Jukun people, alongside other settler communities. The National Population Commission estimated the population of the LGA to be 258,473 persons in 2022. The local government is 126 Km from the state capital, Makurdi. It has boundaries with Logo and Ukum to the north, Kwande and Ushongo to the south, Buruku to the west, and Taraba State to the north east. The population is primarily engaged in agriculture, particularly farming and fishing, which forms the economic backbone of the region. According to Tiri et al. (2016), over 75% of the inhabitants engage in agricultural activities. Most crops produce in the LGA include yams, cassava, sorghum, soya beans, yellow melon, groundnut, benniseed (sesame) amongst others. The study adopted a survey research design. The design was chosen because it lends itself to the application of samples as a way of studying very large populations. Krejcie & Morgan sample size determination table was used to select 384 in six out of the twelve council wards in the LGA namely: Katsina-Ala Township, Ikyurav Tiev l, Michihe, Yooyo, Mbajir and Iwar Council wards who listen and participate to “Tom Sule” Programme on Ashi Waves radio station. A multistage sampling approach with a combination of probability and nonprobability sampling technique was 73 Official Publication of the Society of Innovative Academic ResearchersSIAR PUBLICATIONS Advancing Real-Time Innovative Knowledge Globally. Copyright ©SIAR Publications. All rights Reserved. adopted. In stage1, Katsina-ala LGA was purposively selected. This is because the Ashi Waves Radio Station is located approximately two kilometers from Katsina-Ala along the Zaki-BiamWukari Highway. Purposive sampling technique was used to select six(6) out of the 12 council wards in the Local Government Area in stage 2. In stage 3, simple random sampling was used to select one community in each of the selected six council wards. In stage 4, snowball and purposive sampling techniques were used in selecting the participants. Snowball sampling method was used to asked current participants for recommendations to find the necessary sample populations for the study. With the snowball sampling method, the study obtained the sample through referrals. It is appropriate for this study since it may be widely utilised to do research on a population that is difficult to find. A total of 384 copies of the questionnaire were distributed to those who listen and participate to “Tom Sule” Programme on Ashi Waves radio station in the study area. Out of this number, 346 were correctly filled, returned and found usable, yielding 90.1% response rate. The data analysis involved calculating the frequencies of variables and differences between variables through the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Background Characteristics of Study Participants The result in Table 1reveals that 75.14% the study participants are male while the remaining 24.86% are female. This shows a significant disparity in the participation or agricultural media engagement content. Njuki et al. (2022) and Bullough et al. (2022) have attributed the limited participation of women to systemic barriers such as traditional roles of each sex, educational constraints that disproportionately affect women, limited access to the required resources, and lack of time to concentrate on such programme given numerous household chores that women are required to perform in a traditional African society. As shown in Table 1, the least number of participants were those less than 20 years (8.38%). Rahman et al. (2010) stated that people within this age bracket would prefer listening to music and other entertainment radio programme rather than agricultural related programme. Moreover, most people within this age bracket prioritise their education as against farming activities, and as well considered it as a profession that is suitable for the adult and especially the uneducated ones (Paltasingh & Goyari, 2018). The result also revealed that the majority of participants are between 21-40 years(41.33%), followed by equal representation of those aged 41-60 years and above, each at 25.14%.This suggests a strong engagement from the younger adult demographic, which is critical for the sustainability of agricultural practices. The educational qualification indicated a substantial level of formal education among the audience, particularly at the tertiary level (74.86%). This distribution of the educational status of the participants implies that the programme is reaching an audience that is likely well-equipped to engage with technical agricultural information, potentially fostering innovation and adoption of modern farming practices. Most of the participants (58.38%) are married, with a much smaller percentage (16.67%) being unmarried. Mitter et al., (2024) also discovered that most participants to agricultural radio programme are married and enjoy listening with their spouses. The remaining listeners are widowed, separated, or divorced, each representing approximately 8% of the audience. This demographic distribution suggests that married individuals, likely engaged in family-based agricultural activities, form the core audience of the programme, reflecting their vested interest in agricultural information that supports livelihood and household sustainability. 74 Official Publication of the Society of Innovative Academic ResearchersSIAR PUBLICATIONS Advancing Real-Time Innovative Knowledge Globally. Copyright ©SIAR Publications. All rights Reserved. The relatively low participation of unmarried individuals may imply that agricultural issues are perceived as less relevant or urgent to them, potentially due to differing priorities or economic engagements. The presence of widowed, separated, and divorced listeners indicates that the programme also reaches individuals who may rely heavily on agriculture for their survival, underscoring the need for content that addresses the specific challenges faced by these vulnerable groups in the agricultural sector. Majority (83.24%) of the listeners of the agricultural programme (Tom Sule) on Ashi Waves FM reside within the LGA, while the remaining 16.76% are from outside the LGA. This suggests a strong local engagement with the programme. Also, this high concentration of in-state listeners reflects the programme's relevance to the specific agricultural practices, challenges, and socioeconomic conditions of Benue State, where agriculture is a key livelihood. The significant, though smaller, out-of-state listenership implies that the programme’s content resonates beyond regional boundaries, potentially due to shared agricultural conditions or the reputation of the programme. Table 1: Background Characteristics of the Study Participants Variable Characteristics Frequency Percentage Sex Male 260 75.14 Female 86 24.86 Total 346 100 Age group(Years) Less than 20 29 8.38 20-40 143 41.33 41-60 87 25.14 Above 60 87 25.14 Level of education Certificate training 29 8.38 FSLC/SSCE 58 16.76 ND/NCE 115 33.24 BSc/HND 115 33.24 Masters/PhD 29 8.38 Marital status Single 58 16.67 Married 202 58.38 Widow/widower 28 8.09 Separated 29 8.38 Divorced 29 8.38 Location Within Benue State 288 83.24 Outside Benue state 58 16.76 Awareness and Participation in "Tom Sule" Agricultural Radio Programme broadcast on Ashi Waves The data presented on the awareness of the "Tom Sule" agricultural programme aired on Ashi Waves FM offers profound insights into the effectiveness of rural radio as a medium for agricultural extension services. The results in Table 2 reveal that all participants were aware of the program with 51.7% indicated being "very aware," and 48.37% reported being "aware”. This reflects a significant level of penetration and engagement within the target demographic. It also, suggests that the programme has succeeded in reaching and resonating with a substantial portion of the population. The implications of these figures are multifaceted. First, the high levels of awareness underscore the potential of localized media in disseminating crucial agricultural 75 Official Publication of the Society of Innovative Academic ResearchersSIAR PUBLICATIONS Advancing Real-Time Innovative Knowledge Globally. Copyright ©SIAR Publications. All rights Reserved. information, which could contribute to enhanced agricultural productivity and food security in the region. However, the existence of a considerable percentage of individuals who are just aware of the programme points to either a lack of access to the medium, possibly due to infrastructural deficits, or a failure of the programme to appeal to certain segments of the population. This gap necessitates an evaluation of the programme's content, timing, and broadcast reach, alongside an exploration of complementary dissemination channels to ensure comprehensive coverage. Consequently, these findings call for a strategic reassessment to maximise the programme's impact on agricultural development in Benue State. The distribution of respondent preferences regarding the kind of agricultural programmes on "Tom Sule" provides critical insights into the thematic focus areas that resonate most with the audience. Table 2 reveals that crop production (34.49%), emerges as the predominant interest among the audience, indicating a significant local reliance on and prioritization of crop-related agricultural activities. This high engagement with crop production content suggests that the region's agricultural base is heavily skewed towards crop farming, possibly due to ecological, cultural, or economic factors that favor this form of agriculture. In contrast, the markedly low engagement with vegetable farming, reflected by a mere 1.16%, highlights a critical gap in either the promotion or practice of vegetable farming within the region. This could indicate a potential area for intervention, where greater emphasis on vegetable farming could diversify agricultural practices and enhance nutritional outcomes. The almost equal interest in agricultural market information and farming methods, each registering 29.57%, underscores the importance of both economic knowledge and technical expertise in sustaining agricultural livelihoods. These findings suggest that while the audience values practical farming techniques, there is also a strong demand for market-oriented information that can enable farmers to navigate the complexities of agricultural markets effectively. The relatively low interest in animal production(5.22%), might reflect local agricultural practices or a possible underrepresentation of this content in the programme, warranting further investigation. These insights collectively call for a broad approach to content development that aligns more closely with the diverse yet specific needs of the audience, ensuring that the "Tom Sule" programme can better support the agricultural evolution of the region. Table 2: Awareness and Participation in "Tom Sule" Agricultural Radio Programme. Item Response Frequency Percentage Awareness of program Very aware 179 51.7 Aware 167 48.3 Kind of Agricultural Programme Crop production 119 34.49 Animal production 18 5.22 Agricultural market information 102 29.57 Farming methods 102 29.57 Vegetable farming 4 1.16 Participation Yes 110 31.79 No 217 62.72 I can’t remember 11 3.18 Partially 8 2.31 Frequency of participation Very frequent 35 10.12 Frequent 44 12.72 Not frequent 57 16.47 76 Official Publication of the Society of Innovative Academic ResearchersSIAR PUBLICATIONS Advancing Real-Time Innovative Knowledge Globally. Copyright ©SIAR Publications. All rights Reserved. Not at all 210 60.69 Preferred Agricultural Programme Crop production 110 31.79 Planting information 74 21.39 Weed control 58 16.76 Animal husbandry 46 13.29 Market/selling of products 58 16.76 Table 2 also, revealed that 62.72% of respondents have not participated in the agricultural programme on Ashi Waves FM, compared to only 31.79% who have participated. This indicates a significant gap between listenership and active engagement. The presence of 3.18% who cannot remember participating and 2.31% who participated only partially further underscores a lack of consistent, meaningful involvement with the programme. This limited participation rate suggests that while the programme might attract listeners, it may not be sufficiently interactive, compelling, or accessible to encourage active engagement from a majority of its audience. The reasons for this disengagement could include the format, content delivery, or perceived relevance of the programme, potentially alienating a broader listener base (Evans et al., 2022). Meanwhile, the disengagement thus, has critical implications for the programme's effectiveness in achieving its objectives, as low participation likely translates into reduced knowledge transfer, lower adoption of agricultural innovations, and minimal impact on the listeners’ agricultural practices. Therefore, it highlights the need for a reassessment of content, delivery methods, and engagement strategies to better connect with and activate a broader segment of the audience. The result on the frequency of participation suggests that a significant majority(66.7%) of respondents do not participate in the agricultural programme on Ashi Waves FM at all, while only 10.12% participate very frequently and 12.72% participate frequently. Additionally, 16.47% participate infrequently. This level of participation reveals a pronounced lack of regular engagement, with nearly two-thirds of the audience completely disengaged from the programme. The low frequency of participation among the remaining respondents suggests that the programme struggles to maintain consistent listener involvement, raising concerns about its effectiveness in fostering an active, informed agricultural community. Evans et al. (2022) highlight the implications of this disengagement stating that with the majority of the audience not engaging regularly, the programme may fail to achieve its intended impact of disseminating critical agricultural knowledge and practices. According to Bolfe et al. (2020), this disengagement could stem from various factors such as content relevance, accessibility issues, or competing demands on listeners' time. The data calls for a strategic overhaul of the programme's content and delivery to enhance its appeal and ensure it meets the needs and interests of its target audience. The data on the types of information sought by respondents on Ashi Waves FM's agricultural programme reveals that crop production is the most frequently sought-after topic with 31.79% prioritizing it. This is followed by planting information(21.39%),weed control and market/selling of products are each important to 16.76%, while animal husbandry was sought by 13.29% of the respondents. This distribution indicates a strong emphasis on crop-related issues, reflecting the centrality of crop production to the audience’s agricultural activities. The significant interest in planting information and weed control underscores the need for detailed guidance on the fundamental aspects of crop cultivation, suggesting that farmers are particularly concerned with optimizing yield and managing challenges in the field. The lower but notable interest in animal husbandry indicates a diversified agricultural practice among the audience, while the focus on 77 Official Publication of the Society of Innovative Academic ResearchersSIAR PUBLICATIONS Advancing Real-Time Innovative Knowledge Globally. Copyright ©SIAR Publications. All rights Reserved. market/selling suggests that respondents are also keen on improving their economic returns. These findings imply that the programme must prioritise content that addresses both practical farming techniques and market strategies to meet the diverse needs of its audience, thereby enhancing its relevance and impact. Extent of Farmer’s "Tom Sule" Agricultural Information Utilisation The extent of Katsina-Ala farmers utilisation of agricultural information on Ashi Waves FM radio presented in Table 3 reveals critical insights into the programme's impact on agricultural practices. Nearly half (44.51%) of the respondents reported a "very high" level of utilization, indicating that the audience actively integrates the information into their farming activities. This suggests that the programme is successfully meeting its objective of disseminating valuable agricultural knowledge, thereby contributing to improved farming outcomes and potentially enhancing food security in the region. The high level of engagement underscores the programme’s relevance and effectiveness, affirming its role as a crucial tool for agricultural extension. This aligns with The Development Media Theory, which posits that individuals actively seek out media to satisfy specific needs. The "moderate" utilization rate, reported by 28.61%, reflects a significant portion of the audience that, while engaged, may face barriers to fully implementing the information. This indicates a need for the programme to address these constraints more directly, possibly through tailored advice or additional resources to support implementation. Conversely, the 20.52% reporting a "very low" level of utilization highlight a segment of the audience that is disengaged or unable to apply the information provided. This could point to issues such as lack of relevance of the content to their specific farming needs, or systemic challenges like access to markets or inputs. Additionally, the 6.36% who do not utilise the information at all may represent a group that is either excluded due to language or literacy barriers, or who find the content entirely misaligned with their agricultural practices. These findings imply that while the "Tom Sule" programme has a strong core of highly engaged listeners, there is a substantial minority for whom the content is less impactful. That is why Ajaegbu et al. (2015) noted that, addressing these disparities in utilization requires a more pragmatic approach, potentially involving localised content adjustments, increased interactivity, and supplementary support mechanisms to ensure that all listeners can benefit from the programme’s offerings. On the strategies to improve information utilization from the "Tom Sule" radio programme, 36.42% advocated for "more agricultural programmes". This indicates a robust demand for increased content, suggesting that the current programming might be insufficient to meet the needs of the audience. Thus, expanding the frequency or diversity of agricultural topics covered could address gaps in information and potentially improve the practical application of knowledge among farmers. This is in agreement with Danjuma et al(2021) who noted that increasing the content of an agricultural radio programme enhances its capacity to address diverse farming needs, thereby improving information dissemination and practical application. Khan et al. (2017) also, observed that expanded content can offer more comprehensive coverage of agricultural techniques, market trends, and seasonal advice, leading to greater knowledge acquisition and adoption among farmers. Consequently, it can boost agricultural productivity and sustainability by providing targeted, actionable insights tailored to varying agricultural contexts. 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