Coping Behaviours of Frontline Extension Workers in Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria

The study determined the coping behaviours exhibited by Akwa Ibom State Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) extension workers in the bid to ease their job-related tension. The study also highlighted the relationship between selected personal characteristic and coping behaviours of the extension personnel. Data for the study were obtained from 88 respondents who were randomly selected. Mean score, and correlation statistic were the statistical tools employed in analyzing the data. The findings show that the extension agents (BESs) in Akwa Ibom State ADP dealt rarely with the job-related tension by using many of the coping behavioural variables such as talking with friends, spouse and relatives, involvement in religious activities, seeking professional help among others respectively. Level of formal education, household size, and extension experience of EAs were strong predicators of coping behaviours. Age and extension experience of BEAs and BESs were significantly associated with coping behaviours. It was concluded that the socio-economic characteristics of the extension agents influenced their coping behavior. Necessary recommendations such as improving extension agents' education and working experience as well as constant training for capacity enhancement were made among others.