ANALYSIS OF DETERMINANTS OF EFFECTIVENESS OF EXTENSION AGENTS IN THE EBONYI STATE AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICE

ABSTRACT

The study focused on the determinants of effectiveness of extension agents in the Ebonyi State Extension Service. A total of 75 extension agents and 150 contact farmers were used as respondents in the study. Validated questionnaires and interview schedules were used in collecting data from the respondents. Results showed that males (72%) dominated the Ebonyi State Extension Service. The mean age for the extension agents was 38years and the mean annual income was N275, 800. About 53.33% of the respondents were married. The average year of experience in extension was 14 years, while 80% of the Extension Agents had BSc/HND qualifications. The aggregate mean index of the performance effectiveness of Extension Agents calculated from the seven indicators/criteria gave 48.8 percent (2.44 out of maximum of 5 points). Results of the regression analysis carried out to establish the relationships between the socio-economic characteristics of Extension Agents and their functional effectiveness showed that the independent variables (socio-economic characters) studied accounted for a co-efficient of multiple determination (R²) of 58.5% (0.585). Also, results of the regression analysis carried out to establish the relationship and influence of characteristic features of Ebonyi State Extension Service and the functional effectiveness of extension agents showed that the independent variables studied accounted for a co-efficient of multiple determination (R²) of 41.0% (0.410). The first regression analysis showed that there are significant relationships between the functional effectiveness of extension agents in Ebonyi State and their personal and socio-economic characteristics, while the second regression analysis showed that there are significant relationships between the extension agency-related factors and functional effectiveness of extension agents in Ebonyi State. It was recommended that the effectiveness of extension agents can be enhanced by Ebonyi State Extension Service with the assistance of the state government and any other donor or aid agencies, approving and organising systematic induction courses and in-service training for extension agents to enable them properly perceive their roles and functions.