ASSESSMENT OF TRAINING NEEDS AMONG AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION AGENTS ON INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES IN KADUNA STATE AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study analyzed the training needs of extension agents on information and communication technologies (ICTs) in Kaduna State Agricultural Development Programme (KADP), Nigeria. Seventy-five extension agents were randomly selected for the study. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using frequencies, percentages, mean and multinomial regression. The results revealed that the majority of the extension agents had a great need for training in the use of ICT facilities such as multimedia (85%), remote sensing equipment (83.3), internet (83.3%), video camera (81.7%), audio recorder/player (76.7%), computer (73.3%) and audio-visual aids (66.7%). majority (83%) of the respondents had participated in one extension programme or the other while 20 % of the extension agents have never participated into any agricultural extension programme. Factors that influence the training needs of extension agents included training (-0.349 and 0.312), education level (-0.322 and 0.205), job experience (0.142) and age (-0.528) of the extension agents. The major constraints associated with the use of ICT tools by extension agents include lack of skills and knowledge, poor finance, the problem of internet coverage and connectivity, high cost of ICT tools, poor power supply and unavailability of ICT tools. The establishment of ICT units equipped with modern ICT facilities for extension services in all the KADA zones should be carried out. Training courses on the application ICT facilities in extension services should be planned and conducted for all extension agents in KADP for effective extension service delivery.