Job competence of women agriculture extension functionaries

Abstract

Agricultural extension services and extension personnel must be able to work with farmers to transform the agriculture sector positively. Efficient extension system is not only depending on number of extension workers rather their competence level towards job. This study was conducted in the year 2023-2024. In this purview the present study was conducted to assess the job competence of Women Agriculture Extension Functionaries (WAEF) in Shivamogga and Chikkamagalur districts of Karnataka. Ex-post facto research design was employed. A total of 120 respondents were interviewed using a questionnaire and google forms. Frequency, Percentage, Mean and Standard Deviation were used for data analysis. Seven components were identified to assess job competence. The majority of WAEF have a medium level of job competence (73.33%), followed by those with high (14.17%) and low (12.50%) levels. Communication ability (70.83%), self-development (69.17%), empathy (84.17%), initiative (69.17%), supervision (70.00%), technical knowledge (79.17%) and Creativity (75.83%). Study reveals that most essential aspects for increasing job competence is imparting training, communication, developing knowledge and skills for improving Women Agriculture Extension Functionaries. It shows that there is a need to improve the working environment and organizational climate by inclusion of suitable and efficient HRD practices. This would certainly improve the effectiveness of extension and advisory services in the region.