Perceptions of Agricultural Profession Among Undergraduate Students of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Uyo, Nigeria

Akpabio; Iniobong A.; Ekaete I. Bassey; Okon T. Umoh Monday E. Okon

doi:10.56201/ijaes.vol.12.no5.2026.pg94.106

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Perceptions of Agricultural Profession Among Undergraduate Students of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Uyo, Nigeria

Akpabio, Iniobong A., Ekaete I. Bassey, Okon T. Umoh Monday E. Okon

Abstract

This study examined undergraduate students’ perceptions of the agricultural profession, focusing on socio-demographic characteristics and perception patterns among students in the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Uyo, Nigeria. The population of the study was 3,265 undergraduate students, while a sample of 153 respondents was selected using a two-stage sampling procedure that involved stratification by department and proportionate random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Frequency and percentage were used to analyse socio-demographic variables, while perception data measured on a 5- point Likert scale were analysed using factor analysis. Findings revealed that 52.9% of respondents were within the age range of 21-25 years, while 11.1% were above 30 years. Female students accounted for 59.5% of the sample, while males constituted 40.5%. Respondents from rural backgrounds were 52.9%, compared to 47.1% from urban areas. Food Science and Technology recorded the highest enrolment (41.2%), while Crop Science and Forestry recorded the lowest representation (1.9%). A total of 71.2% of fathers and 66.1% of mothers were engaged in non-farming occupations. Factor analysis results produced three perception dimensions explaining students’ views of agriculture: societal perception, career opportunities and economic and structural barriers. Items such as “poor man’s job” recorded high loading (0.841), while “fewer job opportunities” (0.806) reflected career concerns. “High capital outlay” recorded 0.812, indicating financial constraints linked to agricultural practice. Prior farming experience was reported by 50.9% of respondents, yet negative perceptions of prestige and labour intensity persisted among students’ sample. The researchers recommended that Universities should organize well- structured internship programmes and industry placements, to improve students’ confidence in agricultural practice and career readiness.

Keywords

Agricultural ProfessionUndergraduate StudentsPerceptionCareer ChoiceFactor Analysis

References

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Perceptions of Agricultural Profession Among Undergraduate Students of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Uyo, Nigeria

Abstract

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