Essential Competencies for Secondary School Graduates in Sweet Melon Production for Sustainable Agriculture in Ovia North East, Edo State, Nigeria

Background and Objective: Sweet melon (Cucumis melo) production plays a crucial role in sustainable agriculture and food security. However, secondary school graduates require specific competencies to engage effectively in its cultivation. This study aimed to identify the essential competencies needed by secondary school graduates in sweet melon production for sustainable agriculture and food security in Ovia North East L.G.A. of Edo State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A survey research design was employed to conduct this study. The target population comprised Agricultural Science Teachers and Agricultural Extension Officers in Benin City, Edo State. A total of 300 respondents, including 250 Agricultural Science Teachers and 50 Agricultural Extension Officers, were selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data collection was facilitated through a 32-item structured questionnaire titled Competency Needs of Secondary School Graduates in Sweet Melon Production Questionnaire (CNSSGSMPQ). The instrument’s validity was confirmed by three experts from the University of Benin, while its reliability was established using the Cronbach Alpha method, yielding a coefficient of 0.80. Weighted mean and standard deviation were used for data analysis. Results: The study revealed that secondary school graduates required competencies across four key areas of sweet melon production: Pre-planting (8 competencies), planting (8 competencies), post-planting (8 competencies), and harvesting/handling and marketing operations (8 competencies). These findings highlight the specific skills necessary for effective sweet melon production. Conclusion: It was recommended that the identified competencies be integrated into the secondary school Agricultural Science curriculum to enhance skill acquisition. Additionally, training programs should be implemented for secondary school graduates and farmers to improve employment opportunities in sweet melon production. Further research is encouraged at the state and federal levels for broader applicability.