Socio-Economic Characteristics Influencing Extension Agents’ Competencies In South-East, Nigeria.
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Date
2022
Authors
Uzoechi, Richard
Ogunlade, Israel
Omotesho, Kemi
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
FUOYE Journal of Agriculture and Human Ecology
Abstract
This study examined the socioeconomic factors influencing the competency level of extension
agents in South-east, Nigeria. A simple random sampling procedure was used to select 283
extension agent respondents representing 70% of extension agents’ total numbers acrosseach
stateData were collected through a structured questionnaire; a self-rating scale was used to
determine the extension agents’ competency levels in their extension activities. Frequency
counts, percentages, mean scores, standard deviation and the Linear Regression was used to
analyse the study data. The results shows that, majority of the respondents were married
(83.4%), 46.3% were within the age bracket of 41 and 50years, and they were all literate
(100%). Respondents were found to possess high level of competence in programme planning
( =3.59), demonstration and communication ( =3.56), evaluation (m=3.55), leadership
( =3.43) human relations ( =3.38) and technical expertise ( =3.48). They were however low
in computer skills and knowledge ( =1.63). Majority of the respondents (58.0%) had moderate
level of competency. Extension agents’ age, sex, marital status, distance to work and income
were found to have significant influence on the competency levels of the extension agents. The
study recommended that attention should be paid to the crucial socio economic characteristics of
the extension agents that had influence on their competency levels; Extension agents should also
be trained on those areas where their competencies were rated low
Description
Keywords
evaluation, leadership, human relations, programme planning, capacity
Citation
Uzoechi,R.O., Ogunlade, I. and K. F. Omotesho (2022) Socio-Economic Characteristics Influencing Extension Agents’ Competencies In South-East, Nigeria. FUOYE Journal of Agriculture and Human Ecology 6(1): 69—77