Abstract
The study assessed the competence level and skills gap of extension agents in Kano State, Nigeria. Three (3) Local Government Areas were purposively selected from each of the three administrative zones making a total of nine Local Government Areas. A total of 117 extension agents were randomly selected and data were collected using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics, Training Needs Analysis and SWOT Analysis were used to analyse the data. The study revealed that extension services in the study area were male dominated (88.9%) and more than two third obtained Ordinary and Higher National Diplomas. Extension workers were found to understand the organizations’ needs and had the impressions that issues of the organizations can be solved through training. The study further revealed that extension workers were competent in learning initiative and enterprises (3.41), team work (3.24), communication and problem solving (3.15) while they were found to be least competent in planning and organization (2.91) and leadership (2.96). The SWOT analysis found the strength and weakness of the extension workers as transferring of information through regular interactions with farmers (3.4) and having too many jobs with different specializations (3.12) while highest ranked opportunities and threats were good communication skills with farmers (3.44) and interference of politicians into technical aspects (3.41), respectively. Therefore, frequent professional and technical trainings, employment of more extension workers especially women, disengagement of politicians from technical aspects and collaboration with research institutes and universities would improve capacity and efficiency of extension service delivery in the study area.
Highlights
Agricultural extension is an indispensable way for reaching farmers with required knowledge and advice they need to upgrade their livelihoods
This shows that extension services in Kano State are male dominated which is in line with the findings of a study by Okeowo (2015) on Analysis of Competency and Training Needs among Agricultural Extension Personnel in Lagos State
Half (49.6%) of the respondents are between the age of 24 – 30 years with the mean age as 36 years. This shows that the extension agents were young and training acquired can be used for a long period of time in service
Summary
Agricultural extension is an indispensable way for reaching farmers with required knowledge and advice they need to upgrade their livelihoods. Agricultural extension services enable and lubricates the transfer of information, knowledge and modern practices to farmers which they require in order to improve their yield and the standard of their livelihoods. According to Saleh, et al, (2016), Training is the process of acquiring specific skills to perform a job better. It involves the processes of teaching, informing and educating people. This has led to increasing emphasis on the development of core competencies necessary for the extension agents to perform at maximum. Diverse and dynamic agricultural systems, advancing science and technologies, changing socio-demographics, increasing globalization and growing competition for resources demand agricultural extension professionals to be proficient in the technical aspects of their areas of expertise, as well as in the FUDMA Journal of Sciences (FJS) Vol 5 No 1, March, 2021, pp 424 - 435
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
