THE ROLE OF AGRICULTURE EDUCATION IN PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE FARMING PRACTICES IN EDO STATE

ABSTRACT

This study examined on the role of agricultural education in promoting sustainable farming practices in Edo State. To achieve the purpose of the study, four research questions were raised and examined. Data was collected from one hundred and thirteen (113) respondents randomly selected from four levels in my department in the University of Benin, Benin City. The questionnaire was the instrument for data collection. The descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. An analysis of data was done using mean score and standard deviation. The findings from the study include that that there is a low level of availability of facilities for the teaching and learning of Agricultural education, that there is a very low level of interest of students on the in Agricultural education and that there is a high extent to which Agricultural educators and students motivated in Edo State. It was concluded that there exists a significant relationship between Agricultural education and farming practices in Edo State. The study recommended that government should develop and integrate comprehensive sustainable farming curriculum into agricultural education programs at all levels, foster collaboration between educational institutions and farming communities to co-create and implement sustainable farming initiatives, and encourage research and innovation in sustainable agriculture through partnerships between academic institutions, government agencies, and private sector stakeholders. It was also recommended that government should build more facilities for the learning of agricultural education and enable farmers to have access to loan to enhance farming practices