Assessment of vocational agricultural skills contents of rehabilitation programmes for immates in Ikom and Obubra correctionational centres, Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the vocational agricultural skills contents of rehabilitation programmes for inmates in Ikom and Obubra correctional centres in Cross River State. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The population comprised 206 inmates, while 134 inmates were selected using a 65.05% sampling technique through simple ran dom sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire titled Assessment of Vocational Agricultural Skills Contents of Rehabilitation Programme Questionnaire (AVASCRPQ). The instrument contained 10 items struc tured on a dichotomous response format of Yes and No. The instrument was validated by experts in Measurement and Evaluation, University of Cross River State and Correctional Education Fellowship Centre, Calabar. A pilot test was conducted using 30 inmates in Calabar Correctional Centre, Cross River State, yielding a reliability coefficient of 0.81 using Cronbach Alpha reliability method. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square test were used for data analysis. Findings revealed that skills in vocational crop production and poultry farming were the dominant agricultural re habilitation activities, while fish farming was largely absent. Results further showed that government support for rehabilitation programmes was inadequate, with major constraints including lack of funding, inadequate equipment and shortage of trained personnel. The hypothesis test indicated that agricultural contents significantly influence inmates’ skill acquisition. The study concluded that agricultural rehabilitation programmes play a vital role in in mates’ skill development but are constrained by poor implementation and inadequate support. The study recom mended that correctional authorities and government should strengthen funding, expand agricultural training facil ities and employ qualified instructors to enhance effective skill acquisition among inmates.