CHALLENGES OF PERSONNEL UTILIZATION ON AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF OSUN STATE, NIGERIA (2010-2020)

Abstract

The paper analyses the challenges of personnel utilization in agricultural development in the Local Government of Osun State between 2010 and 2020. Globally, Local government is a labour and service-intensive organization that facilitates and promotes the provisions of basic amenities to the citizens at the grassroots level, to carry out these duties effectively requires the efforts of personnel. The challenge confronting Nigeria's local government system in discharging their duties appropriately is how to manage its personnel structure to enhance efficiency at the grassroots. The related concepts were reviewed. The study adopted both primary and secondary sources of data collection. The study revealed the challenges of personnel utilization in agricultural development which include; inadequate funding (78.8%), inadequate land or land tenure system (62.2%), inadequate farm inputs, tools, and machinery (82.2%), inadequate agricultural education and extension services (63.9%), lack of proper job descriptions for staff (58.5%), lack of proper development orientation for staff (71.8%), lack of innovation, training and manpower development for staff (74.2%). The paper highlighted some recommendations and concluded that these challenges have impended effective utilization of personnel in agricultural development, and until adequate attention is given to these challenges the potential of personnel would remain unlocked in local government areas of Osun State Nigeria.

Keywords: Personnel Utilization; Agricultural Development; Local Government; Human Resource Management