Knowledge and Technical Competence Level of Extension Agent on Climate-Smart Techniques for Rice Production in North-Central, Nigeria

Olayiwola, Ibukun Elizabeth and Akangbe, J. A. and Kolawole, E.A and Ojo, Olayiwola Micheal and Adeyonu, A. G. and Obaniyi, K. S. and Owolabi, A.O and Adeniyi, V. A. Knowledge and Technical Competence Level of Extension Agent on Climate-Smart Techniques for Rice Production in North-Central, Nigeria. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Growth Evaluation. (In Press)

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Abstract

The study examined extension agents' knowledge and technical competency level regarding Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices (CSAP) used by rice farmers in Nigeria. The study specifically examined the technical competence level, knowledge of the extension agents, and factors that influence their competency level on CSAPs. The 88 respondents for the study were chosen using a multi-stage sampling procedure. Data were collected from respondents using a structured questionnaire, and descriptive and inferential statistics (probit regression model) were used for analysis The results show that the majority of the extension agents had high-level knowledge on crop (53.4%) and soil smart mechanism (56.8%), but low-level knowledge on water (52.3%) and weather smart mechanism (54.5%). This also hampered their job performance, as more than half (51.1%) of extension agents had low competence level in CSAPs. Factors that significantly influence the competency of extension agents were years of experience (p>0.089), educational level (p>0.002), and knowledge (p>0.000). The study therefore recommends that specific training related to the areas discovered from the research should be incorporated into the extension agents’ curriculum activities. Extension agents should also be given opportunities to improve their knowledge and competency by attending seminars and workshops in research institutions. Keywords: Competence, Knowledge, Climate smart agricultural practices, Extension agents

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