Issa, F. O. (2020). Indicators and measurement of job performance in agricultural extension. In Nwanchukwu, I., Issa, F. O. & Meludu, N. T. (Eds) (2020). Extension teaching methods, 215-231. 215 INDICATORS AND MEASUREMENT OF JOB PERFORMANCE IN AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION Fadlullah Olayiwola ISSA National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria Corresponding: issafola@gmail.com +2348033339312 Introduction The primary function of extension service provision is to facilitate learning and extend new knowledge and technologies in non-formal educational settings to improve agricultural productivity and increase farmers’ incomes. Extension services often support human resource development and facilitate empowerment (Swanson and Rajalahti, 2010). Extension performance indicator (EPI) is a pointer or evidence/criteria, which helps to measure the extent of attainment in work done and impact level of extension programme. EPI is the relative capability, effectiveness, efficiency and impact of extension activities on the clientele. It reflects the operational and technical efficiency of the extension personnel within an extension agency. EPI is the major business of the monitoring and evaluation unit of the extension agency as it provides overall view of the effectiveness and efficiency of extension activities to the management. The overall view of extension performance is important to direct the policy focus of the extension agency in line with the national agricultural development goals and objectives. Performance in agricultural extension is the act of carrying out specified extension activities geared towards promoting efficiency of extension work to ensure adequate level of achievements. Indicators are variables that help to measure changes in a given situation (Administrative Committee on Coordination {ACC}, 1984). They are tools for measuring the performance (effects) of extension activity. Indeed, indicators are the principal means by which a monitoring unit keeps track of extension's capability, effectiveness, and efficiency. As such, agricultural extension agencies should use appropriate indicators to measure its performance as well as that of extension personnel. Performance indicators (PIs) are specific acts that show how well or badly extension is working. PIs basically mean the criteria or yardstick used in measuring and evaluating the performance of extension personnel. Okoye (1986) asserts that performance indicators form the basis for promotion, demotion, redeployment, transfer, reward and removal (sack) of employees. It determines the contribution or in some cases, the potential contribution of staff members to the organization (Flippo 1980). It also assists in determining training needs of extension personnel. The development of performance indicators is purely a supervisory responsibility; however, it is a shared responsibility of administrative and supervisory personnel. Essentially, when choosing indicators, measurability is the most important watchword. In essence, to what extent can the indicators be measured? Measurement is a key consideration for any development program. On the other hand, performance measurement is a standardized means of estimating or judging the degree to which an extension activity is being carried out (with respect to time) by extension personnel.