ASSESSMENT OF TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER PROCESS PERCEIVED BY PUBLIC AND PRIVATE EXTENSION FIELD STAFF IN BALOCHISTAN, PAKISTAN

Abstract

The focus of this study was to assess the public and private sector extension system for technology transfer in Balochistan province of Pakistan. Descriptive survey research design was used using a pre-structured questionnaire. Five districts, one from each ecological zone, Kech, Lasbela, Mastung, Sibi, and Loralai were selected purposively. A sample of hundred public extension field staff (EFS), twenty from each district and thirty private EFS were selected by using systematic sampling procedure whereby every Kth number is randomly selected from a list developed by Cochran. Response rate was 86.15 percent. The results revealed that the private extension system in Balochistan has been performing effectively as compared to the public extension system due to its effective networking, planning, strong linkages with research and farmers, continuous staff training, monitoring and evaluation, and availability of funds. Public extension service is facing more difficulties in technology transfer as compared to private extension services due to the non-availability of operational funds, lack of staff development opportunities, weak research-extension linkages, and lack of motivation among the EFS.

Keywords

• Extension field staff
• public and private extension
• technology transfer