Appraising the Extent of Tractor Applications for Crop Production in School Farms in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria

Abstract

Tractor application is an important innovation in agricultural production globally. It ensures that farm operations are carried out within a relatively short time to enhance productivity and with ease. However, the extent of application of tractor by Agricultural Education students in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) farms is yet to be determined. The study therefore, sought to appraise the extent of tractor application for enhancing crop production in school farms in MOUAU. It adopted case study research design. Four research questions and four hypotheses guided the study. The population of the study was 69, made up of 10 lecturers and 59 penultimate students of Agricultural Education of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU), Nigeria. The entire population was used because it was small and manageable. Questionnaire was used for data collection. The questionnaire was validated by experts in Agricultural Education and Crop Production from MOUAU. The instrument was tested for reliability using Cronbach Alpha reliability method and the test yielded a coefficient of 0.81. The researchers and three research assistants administered and retrieved the questionnaire. Findings indicated among others, activities tractors are needed for crop production, low extent of tractor availability and application. It was recommended among others that, the university should increase tractor application in the school farm by increasing its availability to students.