Effects of motivation on productivity in agricultural sector in Ghana prisons service: A case study of the Medium Security Prison, Nsawam

Abstract

The Ghana Prisons Service engages in agriculture for two main reasons: for knowledge and skills acquisition in agriculture by the prisoners and to produce food for consumption. There is the perception of low levels of productivity in agriculture in the Ghana Prisons Service. The study sought to determine the effects of motivation on increasing productivity in agriculture at Nsawam Medium Security Prison in order to achieve the reasons for which the Service engages in Agriculture. The research used a survey design. Questionnaire was administered to a stratified randomly selected forty inmates and twenty officers deployed in the field of agriculture at the Prison. Data was collected on the background of respondents, perceived levels of productivity and motivational factors that can bring about increased productivity in the restrictive environment of imprisonment. The data collected from the questionnaire was organised into frequency tables and percentages. The study confirmed the perception that productivity was low in the agricultural sector of the Medium Security Prison at Nsawam. It also revealed that the inmates, engaged in agricultural activities were not imbibing the desired attitude to take up agriculture as vocation in the prison and after imprisonment. The research showed a strong perception that provision of resources would help increase productivity. It highlighted certain motivational factors relating to recognition, self growth, work achievement and work environment as those factors that can lead to increased productivity in agriculture at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison and these factors are recommended to the service to boost agricultural productivity. Furthermore, it is recommended that additional training be given the officers and inmates in agriculture, coupled with adequate provision of resources for production as well as intense supervision to meet targets.