Training Needs of Agro-Dealers in Southwest, Nigeria

Abstract

The study identified the training needs of agro-dealers in South-west, Nigeria. A proportionate sampling procedure was used to select 122 agro-dealers for the study. A survey questionnaire and focus group discussion were used to collect data. The data were analysed using percentages, ranked discrepancy scores (RDS) and the Wilcoxon signed rank test. The Wilcoxon signed rank test at a 5% level of significance indicated the need for training in good agronomic practices (z= -7.679), planning of demonstration plots (z= -4.434), evaluation of trials (z= -3.818), financial management (z= -3.765), and business planning (z= -2.412). However, the need for training in recording and reporting (z= -0.395), and input ordering and distribution (z= -0.440) were not significant. Agro-dealers need training to develop their knowledge and technical capacity on the agro-inputs they sell, in order to provide up-to-date and authentic information about these products. Therefore, it is crucial to organize more training workshops for agro-dealers on the identified areas of training to improve their knowledge and skills for the services they provide.