Title: Practical Farm Training Needs Of Agricultural Science Teachers For Teaching Of Urban Farming In Schools For Food Security In Bayelsa State
Authors: Osemene, Emizibo Samuel & Prof. Egumu, Clement Akopebi
Volume: 9
Issue: 8
Pages: 255-260
Publication Date: 2025/08/28
Abstract:
The study investigated practical farm training needs of Agricultural Science teachers for teaching of urban farming in secondary schools for food security in Bayelsa State. The study adopted the descriptive survey design. The targeted population of the study were Agricultural Science teachers in all the public secondary schools in Bayelsa State. A sample size of one hundred and forty-nine (149) Agricultural Science teachers was randomly selected for study. Hence, the sampling technique adopted for the study was the simple random sampling technique. The instrument for data collection was the "Practical Farm Training Needs of Agricultural Science Teachers for Teaching of Urban Farming in Secondary Schools for Food Security Questionnaire (PFTNASTTUFSSFSQ)". The instrument contained twenty item statements which were used to elicit responses from the respondents. It was validated by three experts, two from the Test and Measurement unit of the Department of Counselling and Educational Psychology and one from the Department of Agricultural Science Education, Faculty of Education, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State. To ascertain the reliability of the instrument, the Cronbach Alpha statistical tool was used and a reliability index of 0.74 was yielded which was deemed reliable. The study contained four specific objectives and four research questions. The research questions were analyzed using mean and standard deviation. The study found that Agricultural Science teachers need training on small-space farm design and layout for teaching of urban farming in secondary schools for food security in Bayelsa State. It therefore recommended that training institutions should integrate specialised modules on nursery management and seedling production into Agricultural Science curricula.