Abstract:
This study sets out to investigate the work motivation level of Development Agents (DAs) in Agarfa and
Sinana Districts, Bale Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia and the factors that influence their
motivation to work. For this study, all the Development Agents (a census of DAs) of the two districts
with a total size of 135 DAs (Agarfa district, 67 and Sinana district, 68) were included as the sample
respondents. Work motivation level of DAs was measured with a self-evaluation questionnaire. For the
study, a structured survey questionnaire, focus group discussion and key informant interview were
used to collect quantitative and qualitative data. In analyzing the data, both descriptive and inferential
statistics were employed. The study found that a large majority of DAs (46.7%) belonged to medium
level of work motivation, followed by 28.1% and 25.2% belonging to low and high level of work
motivation, respectively. The findings thus highlight the importance of the investigation of the
determinant factors contributing to the poor current work motivation status of DAs in the study area.
Results of the descriptive statistics showed that of the total eighteen variables considered in the
descriptive analysis, seventeen predictor variables, except age, were found to be of significance in
explaining work motivation level of DAs. Based on the results of the study, relevant recommendations
are forwarded in this report. Therefore, concerned agricultural extension managers, process owners,
extension officers and supervisors should conduct periodic assessments to determine the level of work
motivation of DAs and have to plan for improvement.
