Work Motivation Among Agricultural Development Agents in Jaldu Woreda, Ethiopia

Abstract

The study was conducted with an objective of assessing the level of DAs’ work motivation and factors which have possible relation to, and effects upon it. The statistical population for this study was comprised of 120 DAs engaged in delivery of extension services. Given the diminutive population size, a decision was made to administer the survey to the entire population. The research was conducted based on both primary and secondary data. Primary data were collected through discussions, interview and a questionnaire survey where as secondary data were also gathered from office manuals and files to provide additional information. In accordance with the research objectives, and data characteristic, the study used descriptive and inferential statistics to analysis data. The study found that more than half (53%) of the DAs had a low level of work motivation, 26% of them had a medium level of motivation and 20% had a high level of motivation to work. The result also showed that out of the 15 factors included in analysis, 10 of them were found statistically significant and related to work motivation of DAs at different levels. The factors such as work itself, quality of supervision, recognition, promotion, and perception about salary, were positively and significantly related with job motivation at less than 1% level. While work place distance and unrealistic work load were negatively correlated at less than 1% level. Work condition and feeling of being involved also showed a positive and significant relationship with the dependent variable at less than 5% level. Therefore, it was recommended that both the higher policy makers and the management of office of agricultural and natural resources in the study area should focus on the extracted significant factors for better development agents’ motivation strategy. Nonetheless as work motivation influences by different factors and subject to change overtime, administrators should periodically assess the factors of motivation and plan accordingly.

Keywords: AES, DAs, work motivation