Training needs and effectiveness of agricultural extension agents in Delta State, Nigeria

This study investigates the training needs and effectiveness of agricultural extension agents in Delta State, Nigeria, aiming to identify gaps in their competencies and the relationship between these gaps and their overall effectiveness. Utilizing a descriptive survey design, data were collected from 237 extension agents and 226 farmers across the state’s three agricultural zones. The study revealed that the majority of extension agents (59.07%) are male, with a mean age of 39.5 years and a significant portion having 11-20 years of work experience. Despite a relatively educated workforce, with 50.63% holding Bachelor’s degrees, 67.51% reported a lack of access to agricultural training. The findings indicate a critical need for training in various competencies, notably in problem-solving (mean = 2.33), critical reasoning (mean = 2.13), and modern technology (mean = 1.91), while agents showed competence primarily in communication (mean = 2.85). The effectiveness of these agents was generally perceived as low, with an aggregate mean score of 2.35, indicating that they do not effectively meet farmers’ needs or facilitate the adoption of new agricultural technologies. Statistical analysis confirmed a significant relationship between training needs and the effectiveness of extension agents (R² = 0.987; p < 0.001), leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis. Additionally, socioeconomic factors such as marital status, household size, education, work experience, income, and access to training were found to significantly influence the effectiveness of extension agents. The study underscores the necessity for targeted training programs to enhance the capabilities of agricultural extension agents, thereby improving agricultural productivity and farmer support in Delta State.