Problems faced by the crop farmers related to extension services provided by department of agricultural extension in Bangladesh

Abstract

The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) has a long history of providing extension services to Bangladesh's crop farmers. This study attempted to explore the extent of problems that crop farmers faced regarding acquiring the extension services provided by DAE. This study was conducted in three villages of Gauripur Upazila (sub-district) in Mymensingh district, Bangladesh. A face-to-face interview was conducted with 100 sampled farmers for the data collection on a pre-tested and structured interview schedule. The key variable, named as the extent of problems was measured using a 4-point rating scale. Both enter and step-wise regression models were employed on the data. Results indicated that half of the respondents faced a moderate level of problems while 40% faced a high level of problems. The extension workers' poor communication skill was the most critical issue, followed by insufficient resources and maintaining contact with resource-rich farmers as perceived by the respondents. Crop farmers' education, perceived economic return, the experience of participating in extension activities, training, and fatalism were significantly associated with the problems faced by them. Education, perceived economic return, the experience of participating in extension activities, and training were discovered to be essential determinants of the degree of problems related to extension services. The study identified several chances for the policymakers to address influential factors for improving crop extension services of DAE. Furthermore, improved coordination and providing crop farmers with need-based training and resources may help mitigate the identified issues.