14 pages, The study assessed the agricultural extension agents' climate change training needs in Abia state. Eighty-three extension agents were chosen for the study using a simple random sampling procedure. Questionnaire was used to collect data, which was then summarized using percentages, frequency counts, and the mean. The findings indicated that male agricultural extension agents comprised a majority (53%) of the state's agricultural extension agents. The average household contained between one and five members (60%). Only 10% have a master's degree, while the majority (69%) have a bachelor's degree. The average length of employment was 15 years. The study's findings indicated that there are still extension agents who are unaware of climate change (1%). Agricultural extension agents in the study area have a limited understanding of all six climate change statements. Extension agents provide significant climate change services to farmers, including technical advice on climate change ( =2.0), the establishment of Small Plot Adaptation Techniques (SPAT) to monitor the impact of climate change (=2.1), and educating farmers on appropriate agrochemicals for climate change adaptation (weed and pest control) ( =2.2). Additionally, the results indicated that understanding fundamental climate change concepts ( =3.7), utilising cultural practises to mitigate and adapt to climate impacts ( =3.4), and environmentally friendly management practises to mitigate and adapt to climate change ( =3.4) were the primary areas of need for climate change training among extension agents. Inadequate funding for training (=3.4), a lack of financial support from organizations ( =3.3), and an inability to access financial support from funders (=3.3) were the major barriers to attending climate change training for extension agents. Regular climate change seminars and training workshops for agricultural extension agents at the federal and state levels will help to improve their overall knowledge of climate change issues. The Agricultural Development Program should utilize Forth nightly training (FNT) meetings to educate extension agents about climate change issues.
James F. Evans Collection; See C06647 for original, Avocado producer households were headed by reasonably well educated males, mainly in the productive age groups, two thirds of whom were in employment, with above average rural household incomes. The adoption of critical avocado growing cultural and management practices, as well as knowledge levels of avocado growing were considerably below optimum. There was inadequate contact with research based information sources. Suggestions are made for improving the producer knowledge base by improved communication and extension strategies reinforced by other institutional support (original).
Bembridge, T.J. (author), Tshikesho, D.R. (author), and Bembridge: Professor and Head, Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, University of Fort Hare; Tshikesho: Professional Agricultural Officer, Namibia Ministry of Agriculture, Owambo, Namibia
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1992
Published:
South Africa: Pretoria, South Africa : The South African Society for Agricultural Extension
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 91 Document Number: C06652
James F. Evans Collection; See C06647 for original, Owambo agricultural producers had high levels of illiteracy (44%) and 30% were over 60 years of age. Average extended family size was about 10 persons and approximately two-thirds had incomes below the minimum subsistence level, and many lacked resources for agricultural production. Communal grazing areas were overstocked and lacking in management. There was a low rate of adoption of accepted farming practices, leading to low yields and production levels. Suggestions are put forward for improving agricultural knowledge systems, including strengthening extension services and local institutions (original).
