Assessment of Agricultural Facilities and Practical Farming Activities in Public Secondary Schools in Owerri Zone, Imo State Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed agricultural facilities and practical farming activities in public secondary schools in Owerri Zone, Imo State, Nigeria. The study specifically examined the existing agricultural facilities and practical farming activities in the schools. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 13 public secondary schools, from which 65 students and 13 Agricultural Science teachers, giving a total of 78 respondents, were selected. Data were collected through a structured instrument and analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency and percentage. The findings revealed that crop farming was the predominant agricultural activity, while livestock farming was limited and no school practiced mixed farming. Farm tools and equipment were available in all the schools, but irrigation and storage facilities were absent. Practical farming activities were conducted only on a termly basis. Government support was limited according to students, while teachers reported government agency support; however, no support was received from NGOs. The hypothesis tested using t-statistics showed, there is no statistically significant difference between the estimated mean farm sizes reported by students and teachers leading to the acceptance of the hypothesis. The study recommends improved agricultural facilities, diversified school farming, and stronger institutional partnerships.