GASPRO International Journal of Eminent Scholars

                                                                                       ABSTRACT

This study examines the competency needs of male and female animal husbandry teachers for teaching bee farming in public secondary schools within Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District. The research focuses on two main areas: bee yard site selection and bee hive preparation. Through a descriptive survey research design, data was collected from 136 animal husbandry teachers using a structured questionnaire developed for the study titled “Competency Need of Animal Husbandry Teachers for Teaching Bee Farming Questionnaire” (CNAHTETBFQ). The instrument was submitted to three validates for face validation. A reliability coefficient of 0.88 was obtained using Cronbach Alpha which indicated that the instrument have high internal consistency. Data collected was statistically analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Mean was used to answer the research questions. Independent t-test statistics was employed to test the hypotheses at .05 level of significance and relevant degrees of freedom. The results reveal the specific competency needs in each area, highlighting both needed and highly needed competencies. The findings suggest that both male and female teachers lack essential competencies in bee farming, particularly in bee yard site selection and bee hive preparation. Despite efforts to incorporate bee farming into the curriculum, the study shows a significant gap in practical competencies among teachers. Furthermore, statistical analysis indicates no significant difference in competency needs between male and female teachers. The study underscores the importance of addressing these competency gaps through in-service training and professional development initiatives. Recommendations include encouraging teachers to acquire necessary competencies to effectively teach bee farming, thereby preparing students for the practical aspects of animal husbandry and promoting self-employment opportunities in bee farming.

KEYWORDS: Competency Needs, Animal Husbandry Teachers, Bee Farming, Public Secondary Schools and Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District.