Assessment Of Training Neeeds And Challenges Of Mainstreaming Electronic Media Production For Extension Services In Imo State

Abstract

The advancement in electronic media is increasingly liberalizing the dissemination of agricultural information, such that farmers can now on their own access information before ever they are communicated to them by extension agents. Therefore, for extension to maintain its relevance and functions, extensionists must acquire the skills/abilities necessary to maintain/control what (contents) farmers are sourcing from the media. In the light of this, the study was designed to assess the training needs and challenges of mainstreaming electronic media production for extension services in Imo State, Nigeria. It examined among other specifics, the electronic media production capabilities of extensionists; the level of electronic media production skills taught in extension training; training needs and challenges of mainstreaming electronic media production for extension services in Imo State. Data were collected using validated questionnaire from 120 extensionists selected through multi-stage sampling technique. Descriptive and inferential statistical tools, such as frequency counts, percentages, mean scores, Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression model, Pearson‟s Product Moment Correlation (PPMC), Z-test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test were used to analyze the data. Results showed among others that the extensionists had technical capabilities in 1 (script writing, ̅=2.2) out of 16 electronic media production skill areas. Only audio recording ( ̅=2.7), script writing ( ̅=2.5), voicing/commentary ( ̅=3.2)) and electronic reporting ( ̅=3.0) representing (4, 25%) were the areas of electronic media production skills taught and covered in extension training out of 16 listed skill areas. The training needs of the extension personnel were in the areas of video production ( ̅=2.6), computer multimedia production ( ̅=2.7), web-based electronic media production ( ̅=2.1). Result also showed that the training needs of the extensionists increased with a rise in their socio-economic background (R2 = 0.650). Male and female extensionists did not differ (Z-cal =1.95; Z-tab =1.96) in their training needs. The capabilities of the extensionists to create electronic media and their training needs were inversely correlated (r=-0.636; P = 0.05). Extension personnel sampled in the 3 agricultural zones of Imo State differed (F-cal =1.277, F-tab = 0.75) in their training needs. Inadequate access to ICT ( ̅=4.9) and poor extension training curriculum ( ̅=4.9) were identified as most pressing challenges of producing electronic media production for extension purposes in Imo State. Hence, it was recommended among others, that access to ICTs and extension training should be enhanced through interventionists‟ empowerment schemes as well as a review of extension training curriculum in line with prevailing performance gaps.