Forecasting the competencies for extensionists in changing agricultural scenario in India

Abstract

Agriculture sector is witnessing a change both at the local and global level, requiring competent human resources in the extension services to fulfill the needs of the farmers. In view of this, the present study was undertaken to forecast the competencies required by the Extensionists in changing agricultural scenario. The study also sought to identify the ways in which these competencies can be acquired. Delphi technique was used to forecast the competencies. Delphi was carried out during December, 2015 to March 2016 at Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Indian Research Institute, New Delhi. Online google forms were used for sending questionnaire and collecting data from the experts identified from the field of agricultural extension. Total 26 competencies were identified by a panel of 23 experts and categorized into the following four constructs: Knowledge, Skill, Professionalism, and Communication. The study also identified the 15 ways for acquiring these competencies. The findings will assist the policy makers, academicians and extension organizations to formulate suitable strategies to make the Extensionists future ready.

Keywords

• Agriculture
• Competencies
• Delphi
• Extensionists
• Forecasting