Training needs of N-Power Agro-beneficiaries in Kwara State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the training needs of N-Power Agro beneficiaries in Kwara State. Simple random sampling was used to select 216 respondents using a questionnaire to collect data while percentages, mean, standard deviation and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) were used to analyze the data. Training of respondents was assessed using job/task and skill gap analysis. Results showed that rules and regulation governing the job (x̅ = 5.69), knowledge acquisition (x̅ =1.99), field practices (x̅ =1.70), record keeping (x̅ =1.69), and extension service delivery methods (x̅ =1.59) were the areas where training were needed. Extension service delivery methods (x̅ =3.17) was identified as the only gap which training could address. It was found that age (r=0.341), sex (r=0.095) and educational status (r=0.180) were favorable socioeconomic factors determining training needs of respondents at p≤0.05 level of significance. A significant gap exists in what the beneficiaries already know and what they now need to know as they have not been undergoing adequate capacity building training; hence there is a dire need for intensive training to cover the existing gaps for effective productivity of the N-agro beneficiaries in Kwara State.