Analysis Of Training Needs Of Agricultural Extension Workers On Agroforestry In Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the training needs of agricultural extension workers on agroforestry in Cross River State. The study was specifically aimed at ascertaining the types of agroforestry systems practiced in the state, determining extension workers’ level of knowledge of the various agroforestry practices, determining the areas of training required by extension workers on agroforestry and ascertaining the challenges hampering extension workers’ active involvement in agroforestry activities. The area of the study was Cross River State, and the study sample consisted of 66 purposively selected extension workers in the state. Data were obtained using a validated semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed using the mean, standard deviation, percentages and binary logistic regression. The results revealed that snail farming (ranked = 1st), shelter belt/windbreak (ranked = 2nd) and aquaforestry (ranked = 3rd) etc were some of the most popular agroforestry practices in the area. It was also observed that extension workers in the state were very conversant with taungya farming (66.7%), improved fallow/shifting cultivation (74.1%) and shelter belt/windbreak (70.4%) among other agroforestry practices, but not too conversant with alley cropping, aquaforestry and integrated taungya farming. The results further showed that extension workers needed training in various areas of agroforesy practices, including effective communication skills, technical knowledge/skills, ecosystem management, start-up procedures and processing operations, and policy formation etc. However, the study noted that extension workers faced funding, training, manpower shortages and lack of government support challenges among others in participating in agroforestry. The study recommended the provision of agroforesty training to extension workers, improved government funding of extension services and increase in monthly salaries and special allowances for extension workers among others.