Congruency between role perception and role performance of agricultural extension agents in Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

A study was conducted to ascertain the level of congruency between extension agents' role perception and role performance with a view to providing policy makers and extension practitioners with better understanding of the role inconsistencies that are contributing to the ineffectiveness of extension agents and in determining important roles for the agricultural extension agents. A sample of 72 agricultural extension agents randomly selected from a list of agents covering study area was used for the study. Data were collected through the use of validated questionnaire. Descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentage were used to summarize data. Spearman's rank order correlation coefficient was used to determine the level of congruency between extension agents' role perception and role performance. This study revealed that there were incongruence in the role perception and role performance of extension agents. Most of the role activities perceived by the extension agents were not performed by them, while many of the roles not perceived were performed by the agents. Spearman's rank order correlation coefficient performed to determine the statistical correspondence between role perception and role performance revealed a positive, but non significant correspondence of 0.70, indicating that the highest perceived role was not necessary the highest performed role. This study concludes that incongruence between role perception and role performance of extension agents could result in inefficiency on the part of extension agents. However, for optimum performance of extension agents, adequate role perception should be accompanied by other factors such as resource availability, transportation, training, promotional opportunities and other incentives for increasing the impact of extension agents.

Keywords: Congruency, Role perception, Role performance, Extension agents