Training Needs of Agricultural Extension Agents in Delta State, Nigeria

Subject Areas : Agricultural Extension

Ajieh  P. C ¹ (Department of Agricultural Economics & Extension, Delta State University, Asaba Campus, Asaba, Nigeria)
Ulakpa  J. E ² (Department of Agricultural Economics & Extension, Delta State University, Asaba Campus, Asaba, Nigeria)

Received: 2017-08-18 Accepted : 2017-11-30 Published : 2018-06-30

Keywords: agriculture, Training, Extension agents, extension services, training needs,

Abstract :

This study examined the training needs of agricultural extension agents in Delta State, Nigeria. A sample of 102 respondents was drawn from extension agents in the States’ Agricultural Development Programme (ADP), Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources (MANR) and the FADAMA Programme. Data were collected in February 2017 by using a structured and validated questionnaire. Data generated were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Mean scores, percentage, frequency count and standard deviation were used to summarize data, while Spearman Rank Order correlation coefficient (rho) was used to determine the relationship between competence and training needs of extension agents. Results reveal that extension agents are competent in the following professional skills: teaching farmers, public speaking, determination of farmers’ needs and planning extension programmes. It was also found that extension agents need training in some professional skills which include: production of teaching aids, planning excursion and field trips, providing market information and simplifying agricultural research results. Constraints to training of agricultural extension agents identified by the study include: poor funding, high cost of training, poor training incentives and limited training opportunities. A strong relationship was found between extension agents’ competence and their training needs. This study therefore recommends that training opportunities should be created by relevant agencies to enable extension agents improve their competence and performance. Also, constraints to training identified in this study should be tackled to allow for sustainable training programmes.

References:

1. Agbamu, J. U. (2004) Training needs of agricultural media practitioners in the Niger Delta area of Delta State, Nigeria. Journal of Sustainable Development, Amstys Book and Publishing House, 1(2): 32 – 40


2. Ajayi, A. O. (2008). Training in Agricultural Extension, In: Akinyemiju, O.A. and D.O. Torimiro (Eds.), Ikeja, Nigeria ABC Agricultural Systems Ltd,  Pp 200-213


3. Brown, J. (2000). Training Needs Assessment: A must for developing an effective training programme, Public Personnel Management, 31 (4): pp.569-579


4. Cooper, A. W and Graham, D. L. (2001). Competencies needed to be successful County agents and County Supervisors. Journal of Extension, 39(1): 1 – 8


5. Gibson, A and Hillison, J. (1994). Training needs of area specialized extension agents, Journal of Extension, 32(3).


6. Jamagani Z. B. (2013). Relationship between problems and needs of extension workers: A case study of Maigana and Samaru zones of Kaduna State Agricultural Development Project, Nigeria. Agricultural Consultant No 11 Idris Gidado Road Hanwa GRA Zaria, Kaduna State Nigeria.


7. Jasim, E. (2016). Training Needs of Agriculture Extension Officers in Iraq, International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, 6(2): 2250-3153


8. Madukwe, M. C. (2005). Motivation in extension: In Adedodoyin, S. F. (Ed.):Agricultural extension in Nigeria. Ilorin ARMTI, Pp. 197 – 198.


9. Malone, V. M. (1984). In service training and staff development, In: Swanson, B.E, improving agricultural extension. A reference manual; Rome FAO. Pp.209

10. McClelland, S.D. (2002). A training needs assessment for united way of Dunn County Wisconsin, MSc Dissertation, University of Wisconin-Stout, USA.

11. Neda, T., Khairuddin, I., Jegak, U and Azimi, H. (2010). Competencies influencing extension workers’ job performance in relation to good Agricultural Practices in Malysia. American Journal of Applied Sciences, 7(10): 1379-1386

12. Sanni, A. O., Olowosegun, T., Sule, A. M., Muhammed, A., Yem, I. Y & Onimisi, H. U. (2009). Capacity building and training requirement for effective fisheries and aquaculture extension in Nigeria - A Review: Nature and Science; 7(4): 1545-0740.

13. Sallam, M. and Akram, B. (2005). Agriculture extension situation in Dhamar province, Dhamar Rural Development Project, Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, Yemen.

14. Williams, S. K. T., Fenley, J. M and Williams, C. E. (1984). A manual for agricultural extension workers in Nigeria,   Ibadan, Les Shyraden Publishers.