Professional Training Needs Assessment for Soil Scientists in Nigerian State Agricultural Development Programmes

This study assesses the professional training needs of soil scientists employed by Agricultural Development Programmes (ADPs) in five Nigerian states representing different geopolitical zones, with the aim of designing a structured competency improvement programme. ADP soil scientists are the primary conduit of soil science expertise to smallholder farmers across Nigeria's states, and their professional competency directly determines the quality of soil testing, fertility recommendations, and conservation advice that farmers receive. Using a professional training needs assessment methodology, structured competency assessments were administered to 75 ADP soil scientists in Rivers (South South), Oyo (South West), Kogi (North Central), Kano (North West), and Borno (North East) States. Assessments covered analytical laboratory skills, field soil morphology and classification, soil sampling design, GIS and data management, fertiliser recommendation procedures, and farmer communication skills. Self-assessments were validated against practical skills demonstrations and supervisor ratings. Findings revealed the greatest competency gaps in GIS application (identified by 84% of respondents as a development need), advanced laboratory analytical methods (78%), and spatial data interpretation for farmer advisory (71%). Basic soil sampling and fertiliser recommendation skills were generally adequate. Training attendance in the preceding three years was reported by only 31 percent of respondents. The study designs a modular two-year CPD programme for ADP soil scientists, covering identified priority competency gaps through a blended learning approach, and recommends its implementation through the National Coordinating Committee of the ADP system. Keywords: professional training, soil scientists, agricultural development programme, Nigeria, competency assessment.