Abstract
This study was conducted to identify the contributing perceptions of Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) regarding off-the-job training and on-the-job training (OJT) for developing their extension skills. Data on AEWs’ skill levels on selected four extension skill areas, their perceptions of Off-JT and OJT were collected from 90 AEWs using structured questionnaires. AEWs’ skill levels on four extension skill areas ranged from 36 to 86. AEWs’ perceptions of Off-JT did not significantly differ between AEWs with less than average skill levels and AEWs with higher than average skill levels. However, AEWs’ perceptions of OJT significantly differed between the two groups of AEWs. Perception of practical steps of OJT was important contributing factor to AEWs’ skill on work planning. Besides, perceptions of merits of OJT were important contributing factors to AEWs’ skills on working with group, organizing demonstration, assessing farmers’ problems, and work planning.
Highlights
The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) is the largest Government organization in Bangladesh and provides unified agricultural extension services to farmers throughout the country
Training Wing of the DAE is responsible for providing Off-the-Job Training (Off-JT) to Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) to develop their extension skill levels
Skill levels of an AEW were evaluated by 3 Upazila Agricultural Officers (UAO) who supervised his/her daily activities, 3 skillful AEWs senior to him/her, and 3 farmers from the area in his/her charge
Summary
Training Wing of the DAE is responsible for providing Off-the-Job Training (Off-JT) to AEWs to develop their extension skill levels. For this objective, the DAE has invested huge resources for Off-JTs provided by the development partners- Government organizations, international organizations and non-government organizations over the years [2]. The DAE has invested huge resources for Off-JTs provided by the development partners- Government organizations, international organizations and non-government organizations over the years [2] Despite this huge investment, only 13.93% of the AEWs were found credible as communicator of technical advice to the farmers [13].
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