Abstract

Against the background of the symbiotic relationship among the agricultural research, linking and practitioner sub-systems, this paper examined a socio-psychological factor that tends to block communication between researchers, extensionists and farmers. This involved content-analyzing the proceedings of the 42nd Annual Conference of Agricultural Society of Nigeria (ASN) to identify discounting or negative messages in them which could have a debilitating effect on farmers. Discounting messages were found in the document reviewed, a situation the author believes is capable of creating psychological problems for farmers. The paper recommends organizing fora for regular interaction to reduce misconceptions and misrepresentation and foster better communication relationship among stakeholders in the research production and utilization process. Researchers should also be diplomatic and constructive in making disclosures about farmers. This will in the long run enhance food security in Nigeria.

Key words: Labelling, occupational ranking, extension communication, indigenous knowledge.