PERCEIVED COMPETENCE, ROLE CLARITY AND JOB SATISFACTION OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION OFFICERS IN THE NORTHERN REGION OF GHANA

Abstract

The study was undertaken to examine perceived competence, role clarity and job satisfaction of agricultural extension officers in the Northern Region of Ghana. The study adopted both qualitative and quantitative techniques in presenting and analyzing the data. Primary data came from self-completing questionnaire and interview schedule guides covering 280 respondents. This was done by using stratified sampling technique, one of the probability sampling techniques. This was followed by coding the responses in order to reduce the responses to similar categories. With the aid of the Statistical Package for the Social Scientists (SPSS), the data was presented using the combination of frequency distribution tables as well as charts such as pie and bar chart to facilitate the discussion and interpretation of the data. The study revealed that the field officers are not disappointed as agricultural extension workers; it further revealed that agricultural extension officers have adequate administrative support from their head offices. It was also discovered that the extension officers were able to define their respective roles in the field. The competence of the extension officers are sometimes not fully utilized due to absence of well-planned programme. The study recommended among others the need for the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to immediately ensure the total implementation of its training and development policy to enhance the job skills of the extension workers.The extension service personnel’s performance will further be improved if they are provided with incentives to enable them put in more effort in order that agricultural extension receives the desired attention. Also, issues relating to motivation of the agricultural extension officers should be considered as a top priority, especially the remuneration packages of the agricultural extension officers.