RELEVANCY OF MODERN AGRICULTURE EDUCATION PRACTICES ON STUDENTS’ FARMING PRACTICAL SKILLS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS OF KABUJOGERA TOWN COUNCIL, KITAGWENDA DISTRICT

Abstract

The study explored the relevancy of modern agriculture education practices on students’ farming practical skills in secondary schools in Kabujogera Town council, Kitagwenda district. The study was guided by three specific objectives which were to; (i) examine different methods used to teach modern agriculture in secondary schools, (ii) identify the challenges experienced in modern agriculture education in secondary schools, (iii) evaluate the strategies to enhance modern agriculture education in order to improve practical skills among secondary students. The study employed a cross-sectional study design that used both quantitative and qualitative approaches of data collection. The study used a sample size of 248. The study used questionnaires and interview guide to collect data. The data collected was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS version 22.0). The study examined modern agricultural methods which had significant relationship with improving students’ farming practical skills in secondary schools. These included; utilization of modern agricultural inputs, Use of improved farm machines, Pre and Post-harvest handling, and use of irrigation equipment. The study further identified that there were significant challenges experienced in modern agriculture education in secondary schools. These included; limited modern agricultural in puts at [p = 0.001], lack of resources to use [ p = 0.005], poor motivation among students and teachers [p = 0.003], limited school farm size [p = 0.001] and poor learning environment [p = 0.004]. The study finally concluded that strategies to enhance modern agriculture education had significant association with improving student’s farming practical skills. Such as; agriculture tours and field trips (p=.027), class discussion student involvement (p=.029), use of practical demonstration method(p=.004) and recruitment of experienced agriculture teachers (p=.028). The study recommended that; there should be training and re-training among teachers and students of agricultural science on use of modern agricultural technology for teaching and learning in secondary schools. The government should provide necessary inputs and farm machineries for teaching and learning agricultural science. Secondary schools should ensure establishment of enough demonstration farms that students would constantly visit in order to copy much on how to do agriculture practical work to improve their skills and experience. Agricultural science students should go for field-trips and excursion in technology oriented farms to enhance to further boost their motivation from agriculture. Government should fund and invest in agricultural education programme in secondary schools particularly private ones so as to equip student- teachers of agriculture.