Identifying and addressing extension service delivery gaps: A study on fish farmers of Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

India, with its diverse landscapes and abundant water resources, has witnessed a remarkable growth in the aquaculture sector over the years. Fish farming, a significant contributor to the country's economy, plays a pivotal role in providing livelihoods, ensuring food security, and supporting rural development. However, the effective delivery of services to fish farmers faces challenges, and addressing these service delivery gaps is of paramount importance for the sustainable growth of the sector. The present study was conducted in two coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh to examine the problems faced by fish farmers in accessing extension services from Village Fisheries Assistants (VFAs). The study employed a descriptive research design and utilized a purposive sampling method. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with 210 fish farmers from six villages spread across the two selected districts. The findings of the Henry Garrett ranking analysis highlighted that the limited fisheries expertise of VFAs, their inability to provide immediate solutions, and inconsistent interactions with the fish farming community were the key challenges faced by farmers. The study specifically showcases a substantial gap in the specialized training of VFAs, which limits their capacity to effectively address the issues faced by farmers. The need for systematic policy reforms in recruitment processes and skill training for VFAs is evident in light of these challenges. In order to bridge the expertise gap, it is crucial to design training programs that integrate theoretical knowledge with practical field experience. These findings have broader implications for transforming the extension delivery services of State Department of Fisheries and other related agencies and fostering the socio-economic development of fish farming communities.