FARM MACHINERY UTILIZATION AND MAINTENANCE EFFECTS ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF COLLEGE FARMS

In order to expose students in tertiary institution learning agricultural science to the concept of farm mechanization, which could aid self-reliance after graduation, the federal government of Nigeria has provided farm machinery to make teaching and learning effective in this regard. The focus of this study therefore is to assess farm machinery deployment, management and maintenance effect on mechanization for sustainable development of college farms in Nigerian. The study population comprised all federal and state colleges covered by tertiary institution trust fund (tetfund). Sample of 24 colleges offering agricultural education was randomly drawn for the study. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Data obtained was statistically analysed using mean from a 4 point likert rating scale. Results obtained revealed that out of the 252 farm machinery available in the sampled colleges, 25 percent are tractor, 20 percent each are plough and harrow while 18percent are ridger and planter/fertilizer distributor respectively. The mean response of 2.4, 2.2 and 2.3 in disagreement to the research questions shows that there is need to improve in farm machinery utilization and maintenance as well as for teaching and learning in the colleges