Trainees Perception of the Effectiveness of NDDC Agricultural Training

Programme on Improved Youth Livelihoods and Crime Reduction in Bayelsa
State
1NEMINE, E.L. AND 2SANGOTEGBE, N.S.
1Department of Agricultural Education,
Isaac Jasper Boro College of Education Sagbama, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
2Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development,
University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
Email: lulunemine@gmail.com
Abstract
The NDDC agricultural training programme was initiated in Bayelsa
State to curb criminal activities and engage idle youths. Several years
down the line, criminal activities are rife in the state. This study
assessed the NDDC trainee’s perception of the effectiveness of the
programme on their livelihoods and crime reduction in the state. Thirty
eight (38) respondents from two training centres were sampled using
snowball technique. Data was collected from focus group discussions and
with the aid of structured questionnaire. The statistical tools used for
the analysis include descriptive statistics such as mean, percentage and
inferential statistics including chi-square and Pearson product moment
correlation and a 5 point Likert scale containing pre-tested statements.
The study revealed that mean age of trainees was 38.5 years. Majority
of respondents (71%) complained of constraints such as poor feeding at
the training centres while 63% were poorly accommodated. At 0.05 per
cent level of significance, there was significant relationship between
constraints at the training centre (r=0.361) and perception of
effectiveness of the programme. 47% of trainees had favourable
perception while 53% had unfavourable perception of the programme.
It was recommended that the NDDC should enroll youths less than
thirty years of age for the programme, ensure proper feeding and
provide adequate accommodation at the training centres.