WORK SKILL IMPROVEMENT NEEDS OF WOMEN FARMERS IN BITTER LEAF PRODUCTION FOR JOB CREATION AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN ANAMBRA STATE.

Abstract

This study was conducted in Anambra State to determine the work skill improvement needs of women farmers in bitter leaf production for job creation and national development. The study made use of survey research design, three (3) research questions and null hypothesis guided the study. A 40 work skill cluster questionnaire was used for the study and the data collected were analysed using mean, standard deviation, Improvement Need Index (INI) and t-test. Results revealed that women need improvement in 13 planning skills, 13 production skills and 7 marketing skills in bitter leaf production for effective bitter leaf production as a panacea for job creation and national development. In line with the results, it was recommended among others that the identified skills should be incorporated into the secondary school curriculum and should be used to retrain women, retirees, civil servants through workshops and seminars to ensure job creation and national development.