FACTORS OF EXTENSION OFFICERS JOB BURNOUT AND COPING STRATEGIES IN NORTHERN LESOTHO

Abstract

The demand for extension services has become more prevalent as the factors that drive the demand for these services are daunting and require a motivated work force. A simple random technique was used to select 120 extension agents from 328. Data were collected with a structured questionnaire (reliability coefficient of 0.85) and were analyzed with frequency counts, percentages one-way analysis of variance and multiple regressions. The result shows that Burnout symptoms manifest mostly as depression (48%), insomnia (40%), headaches (43%), and weight loss (44%). The study suggests that extension agents adopt various coping strategies such as maintaining a positive attitude, setting realistic goals, and maintaining a healthy relationship with their co-workers. It also suggests that young and dynamic extension agents should be groomed to face the challenges of working with burnout.