Journal of Agricultural Extension (Mar 2015)
Organisational Factors in Sustainable Extension Service Delivery in Nigeria: The Effects of Job -related Stress on Organisational Involvement and Quality of Family -Life of Extension Agents of the Benue State Agricultural Development Programme
Abstract
The study was designed to assess the effects of job -related stress variables on organisational involvement, commitment and quality of family -life of extension agents of the Benue State ADP. Data were collected from 44 extension agents (EAs) and their wives, using structured questionnaires. Percentage distribution, mean scores and t -test statistics were used in the data analysis. The findings indicate that a greater proportion (75.0 %) of the EAs are between 40 -49 years old, while majority (54.5 %) of their wives fall within the age bracket of 30 -39 years. Majority of the EAs (97.7 %) and their wives (75.0 %) have low -level education. 'Lack of free medical services (,' = 4.10), pressure to increase outputs, (. = 4.09), lack of promotion opportunities (' = 4.00), inadequate training (2 = 4.00) and non - payment/negularity in payment of salaries and allowances (x = 4.00) are the major sources of worry to majority of the EAs. The organisation's job -related stress variables have some negative effects on the quality of family -life of the EAs. However, many of the EAs have developed certain behaviours, which enable them to cope favourably with the negative effects. Majority of the EAs are very much involved in their duties and at the same time, have high commitment to their organisation (Benue State ADP) despite the observed job- related stress variables. It is recommended that the Benue State government should provide an appropriate motivational environment (e.g. in- service training, promotion opportunities, good medical services and regular payment of salaries) for the EAs.
