DETERMINANTS OF JOB PERFORMANCE OF AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (ADP) EXTENSION STAFFS IN TARABASTATE, NIGERIA

This study assessed the factors influencing job performance of Agricultural Development Program (ADP)extension staff in Taraba State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to; describe the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, assess the agricultural extension staff’ level of job performance, determine the influences of socioeconomic characteristics of extension staff on their job performance in the study area.A multistage sampling technique was employed to select 200 respondents, and primary data were obtained through structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and OLS regression were employed for the analysis.The findings showed that 41.0% of the respondents were aged 41–50 years, with a mean age of 44 years.Males accountedfor 54.0%, and 67.0% were married. Educationally, 68.5% held university degrees, the mean years of experience was approximately 11 years and a mean household size of approximately 5 people.Likert scale results showed a high level of job performance in the study area. The regression analysis revealed that age, marital status and grade level were significant 1% and had positive influence on job performance, household size was significant at 1% and had negative influence on job performance and Household size was significant at 5% and had positive influence on job performance. The study concludes that both individual and institutional factors significantly influenced extension staff performance and recommends tailored interventions to improve capacity, mobility, and motivation for more effective extension delivery.