TRAINING STATUS OF EXTENSIONAGENTSONCLIMATECHANGE ADAPTATION STRATEGIES FORCROPANDLIVESTOCK PRODUCTION IN SOUTH-EASTERNNIGERIA

Abstract

The study investigated the training status of extension agents in climate change adaptation practices for crop production and livestock production in some selected states in South-eastern Nigeria. Specifically the study set out to describe the socioeconomic characteristics of the extension agents; ascertain the trainings given to extension agents on crop and livestock climate change adaptation; and ascertain the training status of extension agents on climate change adaptation extension agents and Subject Matter Specialists were selected by proportionate and random sampling techniques for the study. Data were collected from the respondents by means of Focal Group Discussion and structured questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and climate change adaptation training status index. Results showed that the extension agents had an average age of 43 years were mostly female, and majority had acquired post-secondary education. Also the extension agents had been trained in climate change adaptation strategies for crop production as well as climate change adaptation strategies for animal production. The agents were on the average fairly well trained in climate change adaptation strategies. The study recommends that more male extension agents should be encouraged to get involved in the training and dissemination of climate change adaptation practices to farmers. This is especially so seeing that male may be more endowed with the ability to access even remote areas than females. Also, there is need for the Agricultural Development Programme(ADP) to adequately train all field extension agents on climate change adaptation measures for crop and livestock production, as they play very key role in solving farmers’ problems especially as they relate to climate change as was revealed by the findings that there were training needs of field extension agents in climate change adaptation.