Field practical training programme of faculties of agriculture in Edo and Delta States, Nigeria

Abstract

The study assessed the Field Practical Training (FPT) programme of Agriculture Faculties in Edo and Delta States, Nigeria. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 150 final year students from three public universities. Data were collected with questionnaire and analyzed. Findings show that more of the respondents were males (56.7%), the majority (68.0%) were 20-24 years while 93.3% were single. Highest proportion (27.3%) of respondents were from the department of Agricultural Economics and Extension Services. The respondents had higher positive attitudes towards a career in agriculture after the practical training (x̄ =3.03) than before FPT (x̄ =2.64). They perceived that they were competence in many tasks carried out especially those related to Crop and Animal Science (x̄ ≥2.5). There was significant difference in respondents’ perceived level of competence before and after FPT at 5% level of significance in all the eight (8) thematic areas, the highest was Animal science (t=7.66). Constraints perceived to militate against achieving entrepreneurial development of youth through FPT included the use of crude farm implements (x̄ =3.19), dearth of improved technologies and inputs (x̄ =3.14), poor exposure to farmers’ condition (x̄ =3.13), and inadequate funding of the programme (x̄ =3.12). FPT enhanced competence and positive attitude towards career in agriculture. Addressing the constraints would better prepare youth for agri-preneurship.

Keywords: Practical training, students of agriculture faculty