Data Management Capabilities of Extension Personnel in Kaduna Agricultural Development Agency Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the data management capabilities among extension personnel in Kaduna Agricultural Development Agency (KADA) in Kaduna State. Proportional and simple random sampling techniques were used to select 69 male and 28 female extension personnel to give a total sample size of 97 respondents. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed with descriptive statistics (means and percentages) and the Pearson Product Moment correlation analysis. The findings show that the majority of the respondents who were mostly educated to the level of diploma (73%) agreed that knowledge of mathematics/statistics is the most important ( x̄= 7.83) requirement for data management. It was also revealed that adequate training and workshops are important requirements ( x̄= 7.60) for successful data management and enhance performance of staff particularly those involved in data collection as enumerators considering that the work is cumbersome. Pearson correlation analysis shows that there is link between educational qualification, job experience and training with level of understanding of the important aspects of data management. Proficiency in mathematics and statistics is the most important requirement for an effective data management as perceived by the KADA staff. However, extension personnel performance can be improved through training and staff motivation through allowance and provision of transportation facilities. The Kaduna State ministry of agriculture in collaboration with KADA should be committed to ensuring the actualization of the above mentioned strategies.

Keywords: Data management, capabilities, extension personnel