Performance Motivation And Socioeconomic Characteristics: The Case Of The Extension Agents In Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was carried out to examine how the socioeconomic characteristics of the Extension Agents in Imo State, Nigeria, relate to their levels of motivation. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 96 Extension Agents from Imo State for the study. First, two (2) Agricultural Zones, namely Owerri and Orlu, were randomly selected from the three (3) Agricultural Zones in the State. Secondly, eight (8) Extension Blocks were randomly chosen from each of the two (2) selected Agricultural Zones to give sixteen (16) Extension Blocks. Lastly, six (6) Extension Circles were randomly selected from each of the sixteen (16) Extension Blocks to give 96 Extension Circles and 96 Extension Agents for the study. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection, while descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to analyze the data.  The findings showed that the male and female Extension Agents in Imo State had average levels of motivation of 3.26 and 3.18, respectively, and both were motivated to give the best of their service. Again, there was no significant difference in the motivation levels of male and female Extension Agents at a 5 % level of significance. The middle-aged {(40-49) years} Extension Agents were the most motivated age group among all the age brackets. The Extension Agents who hold B.Sc./B.A.  AGRIC. had the highest level of motivation among all levels of education. With respect to work experience (WE), the most motivated group is the Extension Agents, who have 21-30 years of work experience. It was recommended that the Government should continue to give the male and female Extension Agents the same performance motivation incentives without preference for either sex. This is because our findings show that the two sexes were equally motivated. Motivation incentives should be graduated to favour more the middle-aged {(40-49) years} Extension Agents. This recommendation is tenable because it was found that the middle-aged  {(40-49) years} Extension Agents had, on average, 3.27 points on motivation level and were the most motivated age group among all the age brackets. Furthermore, preference should be given to persons who hold B.Sc./B.A. Agric. when employing Extension Agents. This is because holders of B.Sc./B.A. Agric. had the highest level of performance motivation of 3.30 points compared with Extension Agents who hold other qualifications, namely OND and HND. Finally, motivation incentives should be graduated to favour the Extension Agents who have 21-30 years of work experience. Their average level of motivation is 3.26 points and is the highest among all years of work experience