Role of Agricultural Science Teachers in the Implementation of the National Agricultural Development Programme in Bayelsa State

This paper established the role of Agricultural Science teachers in the implementation of the National Agricultural Development Programme (NADP) in Bayelsa State. A descriptive survey design was adopted. The population comprised 242 Agricultural Science teachers across the nine educational zones of Bayelsa State. A sample of 218 teachers were picked through stratified random sampling to ensure proportional representation. A questionnaire was developed to gather data. The instrument was authenticated by experts in Agricultural Education and Educational Measurement and Evaluation, and its reliability was ascertained through a pilot test, yielding a Cronbach Alpha coefficient of 0.81, indicating acceptable internal consistency. Data were collected with the assistance of trained research assistants and analyzed using mean and standard deviation and the independent samples t-test at 0.05 alpha. The results suggested that Agricultural Science teachers significantly contributed to NADP implementation through knowledge dissemination, competency development, and extension services, with no significant gender differences in their perceptions. Based on the results, it was suggested that policymakers strengthen the capacity of Agricultural Science teachers through regular training, adequate provision of instructional resources, and collaboration with agricultural agencies to improve programme outcomes.