ISSN: 2474-8846
Authors: Ajaero JO*, Chikaire JU and Aminu GO
The Covid - 19 pandemic has affected everything and everybody globally. Awareness and good attitude are key to adherence to preventive measures. This study seeks to ascertain extension officers’ awareness of covid 19 pandemic, examine preparedness level and describe the challenges they face in trying to contain covid 19 pandemic spread. A total of 120 extension staff of Imo ADP was selected purposively for this study. Questionnaire was used to collect data and analysis done using percentages and mean. The results of the analysis showed that the respondents (100%) were fully aware of the Covid -19 pandemic outbreak. They are aware of the symptoms, transmission, incubation period, and protective measures (71.7%). They are really prepared to help as they have read several books and materials on Covid 19(77.5%) learnt to wear face mask (85%), regularly wash hands among other things. However, they face challenges such as inadequate trainings (M=3.01), low level of exposure (M=3.21), cultural beliefs of farmers (M=3.61), lack of affordable hand sanitizer(M=3.10),discomfort wearing mask(M=3,31), low level of education of farmers among other barriers. We recommend that both extension workers and farmers receive regular training and education, funds be made available to purchase necessary items needed for smooth extension work.
Keywords: Covid 19; Extension workers; Hand-wash; Cleaning; Protection
