Factors Influencing the Choice of Agricultural Science by Students in Public Colleges of Education in the Northern Region of Ghana

Abstract

The main objective of the study was to examine the factors affecting the selection of agricultural science by students in public colleges of education in the Northern Region of Ghana. As a quantitative study, a descriptive crosssectional survey design was adopted and a questionnaire was used, as the principal tool to collect data. The data were collected from 316 students who were chosen randomly from the four teaching colleges in the Northern Region of Ghana. The data were then analysed based on descriptive and inferential statistics aided by (SPSS version 21) software. The study revealed that the number of students pursuing agricultural-related programs was 80 (25.3%) as compared 236 (74.7%) who were studying other programs. The findings of the study found out that student attitudes, college-related factors, and college tutors influence students‘ choice in selecting agricultural science as their major. Finally, it was discovered that there were equal career opportunities for both men and women studying agricultural science-related programs in the colleges of education. It is recommended that the public colleges of education in the Northern Region should frequently organize education fairs and invite agricultural science experts to speak to students on the need to pursue a career in agricultural science.