ASSESSMENT OF THE SKILLS REQUIRED IN COCOA PRODUCTION BY AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE STUDENTS FOR SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN AIYEDE, BUNU/KABBA LGA, KOGI STATE, NIGERIA

This study assessed the skills required in cocoa production for sustainable economic development by Agricultural science students in Aiyede, Bunu/Kabba LGA, Kogi State. The study identified the skills required in cocoa production, including nursery management, planting, pruning, pest and disease management, and harvesting. The study also identified the challenges faced by agricultural science students in acquiring these skills, including lack of training, inadequate resources, and poor extension services. Employing a descriptive survey research design, the study collected data by administering a structured questionnaire to 74 respondents comprising of 54 male students and 20 female students. No sampling was done. The entire population was used for the study. The questionnaire was validated and trial tested giving a reliability coefficient of 0.74%. The data collected were analyzed using mean, standard deviation and t-test analysis, mean and standard deviation were used to answer the three research questions. t-test analysis was used to test the three null hypotheses at .05 level of significance. The study recommended that Agricultural science students in Aiyede in Bunu/Kabba LGA, Kogi State should receive training on cocoa production, students be motivated, skills should be thoroughly taught and that resources should be made available to support their farming activities.