Evaluation Of The Job Performance Of Extension Professionals In Abia State Of Nigeria

Abstract

The study was design to assess the job performance of extension professionals in Abia state agricultural development programme (ADP). The study also highlighted the relationship between selected personal characteristics and job performance variables of extension professionals in Abia state ADP. A sample of ninety six (96) randomly selected respondents provided information used for the study. Percentages, mean scores and Pearson correlation coefficient were the statistical tools employed in analyzing the
data. The findings show that the job performance of each of the extension agents (EAs), block extension agents (BEAs) and block extension supervisors (BESs) was rated slightly above average. Level of formal education of EAs was significantly associated with job performance. The extension experience of BEAs and BESs was a strong predicator of job performance. The study recommends that policies should be designed to improve the level of formal education of EAs through greater participation of EAs in inservice training courses. Extension professionals who are more experienced in extension work should be
retained and encouraged in their bid to ensure effective extension contact with farming groups.

Journal of Agriculture and Food Sciences Vol. 5 (1) 2007: pp. 93-109