Authors : G.C. Onuekwusi and L. Okorie Ijeoma
Abstract: The study surveyed the attitude of secondary school students in Abia State, toward a career in Agriculture. The specific objectives were to describe the socio-economic profile of participants, influences on career decisions, orientations after leaving school, level of encouragement to pursue a career in Agriculture (farming), Rating their attitude towards farming/agriculture. Sample population was 120 respondents and purposive and simple random techniques were used. Interview and questionnaire were also used in data collection. Major findings showed that the majority of the students were in the age group of 16-18 years, Majority, 51% of the students were female and 49% were male. The respondents� background was rural (farming) and most of student�s parent engaged more in farming. About 74% were influenced by their parents, on career decision, 28% of respondents were to pursue a non-agricultural related university degree, 30% of respondents were having negative attitude towards farming/agriculture and 70% were having positive attitude towards farming/agriculture. Most affecting problems of the students were lack of sponsors, lack of agriculture teachers, lack of guardian counselors, lack of equipment and land. It was recommended that government and non-governmental organizations should work together to provide agricultural teachers and guardian counselors in various schools especially those in rural schools.
G.C. Onuekwusi and L. Okorie Ijeoma , 2008. Attitude of Secondary School Students in Abia State, Towards Career in Agriculture . Agricultural Journal, 3: 102-106.