Assessment of Extension Agents Competencies in the Use of Precision Agriculture in Tofa and Kabo L.g.a`s of Kano State

ABSTRACT
This study assessed the competencies of agricultural extension agents in the use of precision agriculture in Tofa and Kabo Local Government Areas of Kano State, Nigeria. Precision agriculture, which employs technologies such as GPS, drones, and soil sensors to optimize farming practices, holds significant promise for improving agricultural productivity and sustainability. However, its adoption in Nigeria remains limited, partly due to the capabilities of extension agents. Using a structured questionnaire, data were collected from 50 extension agents and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings revealed that while 88% of extension agents were aware of precision agriculture, only a minority had high proficiency in advanced tools like drones, remote sensing, and soil sensors. The majority (91.8%) could operate basic equipment, with stronger familiarity in GPS mapping and motorized farm equipment. Training gaps were evident, as 44% of extension agents had never received formal training in precision agriculture. Major challenges identified included high costs of technology, lack of technical know-how, inadequate infrastructure, and limited government support. Socio-economic characteristics such as education, age, and professional membership influenced extension agents’ competencies. The study recommends targeted training, infrastructure development, and supportive policies to enhance the role of extension agents in promoting precision agriculture, thereby boosting agricultural productivity and sustainability in the region.