COMPETENCIES REQUIRED BY UNEMPLOYED YOUTHS IN THE PRODUCTION OF QUAIL BIRDS IN COMMERCIAL QUANTITY IN EBONYI STATE

Abstract

The study was carried out to determine the competencies required by unemployed youths in the production of quail birds in commercial quantity in Ebonyi State. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. Five research questions guided the study. The population of the study was 147. This is made up of 45 (Lecturers of Animal Science, Technologists, Farm Managers) and 102 Extension Agents from Ebonyi State Ministry of Agriculture. Because the population was relatively small, no sampling was done. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire termed ‘’Competencies in Quail Birds Questionnaire’’ (CQBQ). The instrument consists of thirty (37) items. The instrument was validated by five experts. Test-re-test method was adopted to determine the reliability of the research instrument. The result gotten from the test-re-test was analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient and an index of 0.75 was obtained. 147 copies of questionnaire were distributed to the respondents
by the researcher through the help of five research assistants. The data collected was analyzed using Statistical Mean and Standard Deviation. Any Statistical Mean score that is 2.50 and above were accepted while those below 2.50 were rejected. The result showed that all the items presented were accepted by the respondents. It was recommended that the items identified should be integrated into the curriculum of all the schools, colleges and tertiary institutions in Ebonyi State for students to learn and acquire the competencies among others.