The existing of agricultural policies and strategies in Nigeria has focussed on agricultural research findings and technology transfer. Governments and non- governmental organisations focussed more on funding of Research but neglect transfer of technologies to end users. Some of these technology include genetics (improved varieties or hybrids), crop management practices, plant protection (e.g,IPM), cropping systems, farm mechanization, Post-harvest technology and forage or range management. Unfortunately, most of these technologies invented end up on book shelves which might be as a result of missing linkage that exist between the researchers and extension personnel. Furthermore, lack of a close working relationship between agricultural research and extension organizations, and with different categories of farmers and farm organizations is one of the most difficult institutional problems confronting agriculture development in Nigeria. Therefore the study focussed on factors associated with the missing link among research, extension and farmers in technology transfer in Nigeria. Specifically the study identified socio-economic characteristics of respondents, examine the linkage that exist between the research, extension and farmers, identify constraints to the linkage and the factors that can strengthen the linkage. The study was carried in southwestern part of Nigeria where some of these research institutes located. The study employed the use of interview schedule for farmers and questionnaire for extension personnel and researchers. Data collected were analysed with frequency distribution, percentage, mean and standard deviation, while correlation coefficient and factor analysis were used to make inferences and isolate cogent factors that are associated with the linkage. The mean age of the farmers was 48.5± 18.2years, extension personnel 42± 9.8years and researchers was 44y± 10.2years. Majority of the farmers were married and had secondary education, extension had first university degree education while majority of the researchers had PhD. The finding further revealed that most (61%) of the technologies developed by research institutions were not known to the farmers, but remained with the researchers. Less than 21% of the farmers are still using improved technologies while 18% had discontinued the usage. Major source of information include other farmers and extension agents. Constraints associated with Research-Extension-Farmers linkage include inappropriate technology, time lag between the availability of the research findings and their application by the farmers, gap between the level of education of researchers and extension worker, wages and salary differential, poor inter-organisational relationship, attitudinal problem, inadequate funds to conduct field work and training, administrative distinction between researchers and extension personnel. The linkage strength could be influenced by personal and psychological factor of personnel involved in research and dissemination. Significant relationship existed between researchers and extension personnel contacts and education, length of service, and experience on the job. Conclusively, gap that exists between the technologies invented and those been accepted by farmers has to be bridged by developing stronger links between researchers, extension personnel and the farmers.
