Training Needs of Agricultural Extension Personnel on Smart Agricultural Practices in Ogun State Agricultural Development Programme

Abstract

The study assessed the training needs of agricultural extension personnel in smart agricultural practices within the Ogun State Agricultural Development Programme (OGADEP), Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was adopted. Using a multistage sampling procedure 101 extension personnel were randomly sampled out of 143.   Data were collected using a questionnaire and structured interview schedule. Data were analyzed with means, frequencies, percentages, Chi-square and Pearson Product Moment Correlation at 5% significance level. Findings revealed that although respondents demonstrated moderate familiarity with ICT tools (  = 3.41) and mobile advisory applications ( = 3.50), there were notable gaps in advanced competencies, such as automated irrigation systems ( = 3.01) and drone applications (x̄ = 3.40). Data collection and analysis for smart farming emerged as the highest-ranked training need ( = 3.46). Knowledge of smart agriculture was positively correlated with training received (r = 0.276, p < 0.01). The study concludes that strengthening extension innovation systems in Ogun State requires structured, competency-based, and continuous professional training in smart agriculture. Institutional collaboration, policy support, and digital infrastructure development are recommended to enhance development impacts.