Abstract:
The study examines motivational initiatives required by internally displaced youths for castor
seed (Ricinus communis) production in Kogi State. Three research questions and two null
hypotheses guided the study. The study adopted survey research design. The population of the
study was 398 respondents made up of 290 registered castor seed farmers and 108 agricultural
extension agents. The instrument for the study was a 41 items questionnaire developed from
literature reviewed titled motivational skills required in castor seed production (MSRCSP) and
used for data collection. Cronbach Alpha method was used to determine the internal consistency
of the questionnaire items and a reliability coefficient of 0.80 was obtained. Findings from the
study revealed that all the 17 items on post planting operations on castor seed were rated
required, all the 8 items and 14 items on harvesting and marketing of castor seed were also rated
required by respondents. It was recommended amongst others that extension agents should
package the identified motivational skills in castor seed production into training manual and
video shows for the internally displaced youths in Kogi State. This could reduce the problem of
unemployment in the state. |
