Assessment of Training among Field Extension Staff of Borno State Agricultural Development Programme, Nigeria

The study assessed the training needs among field extension staff of Borno State Agricultural DevelopmentProgramme, Nigeria. The study employed proportionate random sampling techniques to select ۱۲۰ respondents.Data were analysed using both descriptive (percentages, frequencies, Likert scale and means) and inferential(ordinary least square multiple regression) statistics. The study pointed out that ۴۸% of the respondents wereyoung. It also showed that majority (۸۱%) of the respondents indicated to have had Ordinary National Diplomaor National Certificate in Education. The study revealed that majority (۸۴.۲% and ۶۸.۳%) of the respondents hadundergone fortnight training and long term courses respectively. The study found out that the respondents werecompetent in crop production (x = ۴.۰), animal husbandry (x=۳.۲) and soil fertility (x. ۳.۲). The studyindicated that there is a need for continuous training of field extension staff in some areas such as use ofcomputer in agriculture where training (۵), coping with climate change (۴), pests and diseases management (۳),extension communication skills (۲) while fertilizer application (۱). The ordinary least square multiple regressionresults revealed the factors that significantly influenced training needs of field extension staff: age (p≤۰.۰۵),educational level (p≤۰.۰۵), sex (p≤۰.۰۵), working experience (p≤ ۰.۰۵) and knowledge of informationtechnology (p<۰.۰۱).The major constraints affecting training of extension staff were lack/inadequate funds (x =۴.۰), biased selection of personnel for training (x = ۴.۱), The study concluded the respondents were exposed toforthnight training (FNT) or monthly training review meeting (MTRM) and they were competent in the areas ofcrop production, animal husbandry and soil fertility. The study recommended that there is need to provideadequate financial support to Borno state ADP as at when due for proper planning and execution of trainingprogrammes for field extension staff. Motivation of extension personnel should also be put into consideration toimprove their regular attendance to training programmes.

Keywords:

Assessment of Training , Field Extension Staff , Agricultural Development Programme , Nigeria