In-Service training needs of extension workers in pineapple technology transfer in Southwestern Nigeria

The study assessed the in-service training needs of extension workers involved in pineapple technology transfer in southwestern Nigeria. Predominantly pineapple-producing zones of Ogun, Ondo and Osun States Agricultural Development Programmes (ADPs) were purposively selected. One hundred and six of the 209 extension workers in these zones were randomly sampled. Data were collected using pretested, structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, mean and Chi Square. Extension workers had a mean age of 37 years. Majority of them were married (84.9%), males (92.2%) with educational qualification of HND (50.9%). Extension workers' involvement in pineapple technology transfer was generally low especially in nursery site selection (15.1%), pre-nursery establishment (16.0%) and nursery management (16.0%). The mean knowledge score of the extensionists on pineapple technologies was below average (45.9%). Correlation analysis between knowledge and involvement of extension workers in pineapple technology transfer shows no significant relationship (r = 0.18, p> 0.05). Keywords :Pineapple; extension workers; training needs; in-service training Moor Journal of Agricultural Research Vol. 7 (1&2) 2006 pp. 114-120