Availability and Utilization of Instructional Facilities for Teaching Animal Husbandry Trade Subject in Secondary Schools in Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the availability and utilization of instructional facilities for teaching the Animal Husbandry trade subject in secondary schools in Delta State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study sought to determine the instructional facilities available, assess the extent of their utilization, and identify the challenges affecting their availability and use. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population comprised 722 Agricultural Science teachers, from which a sample of 217 teachers was selected using a multi-stage stratified random sampling technique; 206 valid responses were analyzed. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.84 and analyzed using mean and standard deviation with a cut-off mean of 2.50. Findings revealed that most essential instructional facilities required for effective Animal Husbandry instruction were largely unavailable, while only basic resources such as farm tools, charts, and posters were commonly present. The utilization of available facilities was generally low, particularly for practical activities involving live animals and school farms. Major challenges identified included inadequate funding, high cost of maintaining live animals, poor maintenance culture, insufficient teacher training, large class sizes, and poor electricity and water supply. The study concluded that inadequate availability and low utilization of instructional facilities significantly hinder effective teaching of Animal Husbandry in secondary schools in Delta State. It therefore recommended improved funding, provision of essential facilities, regular teacher capacity building, and supportive school management practices to enhance practical skill acquisition.