Performance of Extension Service of the Agricultural Development Project in Yobe State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study evaluated the perceived changes in the performance of the extension service of the Agricultural Development Project in Yobe State, Nigeria. A two-stage sampling procedure was adopted to select eighty (80) respondents for the study. A structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data. Data were analysed using percentage, mean, Chi-square and Pearson Product Moment Correlation. The results showed that the respondents’ mean age was 42.8 years. Most (68.8%) of the respondents were males. Skill possession in communication was the highest (4.38). Extension agents’ Job satisfaction was high for relationship with supervisors and co-workers (3.90), and responses of farmers to extension services (3.65). Extension agents perceived that extension performance has declined generally. There were significant negative relationships between age (r=-0.445), years of experience (r=-0.476), monthly salary (r=-0.229), household size (r=-0.341), extension agents’ skills (r=-0.500) and perceived change in extension performance. Extension performance should be enhanced through adequate funding of the extension agency to equip, motivate and support the personnel. Keywords: Extension agents, change, performance, skills, satisfaction