Knowledge and utilization of job enrichment techniques among district agricultural officers in Botswana

Abstract

In Botswana, agricultural extension services delivery is faced with problems of inadequate skilled manpower to carry out research and disseminate information to farmers and existing staff are not motivated to perform at optimum level, hence performance with productivity declines over time. Structuring jobs and roles correctly is very important in elevating the motivation of employees, which is addressed by job enrichment. Using a random sampling technique, this study examined the knowledge and utilization of job enrichment techniques amongDistrict Agricultural Officers (DAOs) in Botswana. Data were collected with a structured questionnaire that has a reliability coefficient of 0.85 and were analyzed with frequency counts, percentages correlation and multiple regressions. The result shows that the knowledge of job enrichment techniques was moderate among district officers. The use of job enrichment techniques was facilitated by the organization structure for extension delivery in Botswana. Important predictors of job enrichment utilization are information sources on job enrichment (t = 2.79), educational level (t = 2.07), age (t = - 2.86) and years of experience (t = 2.89). The paper recommends that training should be provided to DAOs on job enrichment and other job- related concepts in order to improve performance among extension agents. Key words: Botswana, job enrichment techniques, motivation, performance, district officers knowledge.