FACTORS AFFECTING WORK MOTIVATION OF AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT AGENTS: THE CASE OF JALDU WOREDA OF OROMIA REGION, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Field level agricultural development agents are the key figures for any change in agriculture in Ethiopia. Their motivation and job performance are therefore important in achieving faster agricultural development of the nation. The study assessed various motivational factors and level of work motivation of development agents working in Jaldu woreda, West Shoa zone of Oromia National Regional State. In order to meet the purpose of this research, all the development agents, numbered ninety nine were considered as target respondents from which the required empirical data were collected through structured questionnaire and focus group discussion’s checklists. Descriptive statistics and binomial logistic model were employed to analyses data. Tests involving chi-square, t-test, and Spearman’s rho correlation were also run to assess associations between variables of interest. Results of descriptive and inferential analysis showed that about 54% of the development agents’ work motivation is low and need efforts to improve. From different variables analyzed through binary logit model, the output showed that, at different probability level, five explanatory variables, viz. promotion opportunities, recognition, feeling of being involved, the work itself and distance of work location were found to be significant in explaining the variability in work motivation among development agents. To this effect, the study recommended that both the higher policy makers and the management at the grass root organization (office of agricultural development in the study area) should focus on the extracted significant factors for better development agents’ motivation strategy. Finally, work motivation was dependent on a number of different factors and was subject to change so that administrators should conduct periodic needs assessment to determine the level of motivation of DAs, identify factors influencing their work motivation and identify methods for reducing factors which de-motivates DAs working in Jaldu woreda