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Effect of Extension Training on Farmers’ Participation in Agricultural Development Committees

Abstract

The study examines the effect of extension training on farmers’ participation in agricultural development committees, with emphasis on how training provided by agricultural extension personnel influences farmers’ involvement in community-based agricultural decision-making and development activities. Agricultural development committees provide platforms through which farmers can contribute to planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of agricultural programmes within their communities. However, the level of farmers’ participation may be influenced by their access to relevant extension training and the knowledge and skills acquired through such programmes. The study will assess the nature and extent of extension training received by farmers and determine the level of their participation in agricultural development committees. It will examine the types of training provided, including agricultural production practices, leadership, decision-making, group management, agricultural programme planning, and community development. The study will also consider farmers’ frequency of participation in committee meetings, involvement in decision-making, contribution to agricultural programmes, and engagement in committee activities. A descriptive survey research design will be adopted for the study. The population will comprise farmers who are members or potential participants in agricultural development committees within the selected study area. Data will be collected from respondents using a structured questionnaire designed to obtain information on their exposure to extension training and participation in agricultural development committees. Descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages, means, and standard deviations will be used to summarize the data, while appropriate inferential statistical techniques will be applied to determine the effect of extension training on farmers’ participation. The study is expected to find that access to relevant extension training enhances farmers’ knowledge, confidence, communication skills, and understanding of agricultural development activities. Farmers who receive regular and practical training may demonstrate greater willingness to attend committee meetings, contribute ideas, participate in decision-making, and support community agricultural initiatives. However, factors such as inadequate training opportunities, limited extension contact, poor communication, and lack of resources may constrain effective participation. The findings are expected to provide useful information for agricultural extension officers, development agencies, farmers’ organizations, and policymakers on the importance of strengthening extension training programmes as a means of promoting active farmer participation in agricultural development committees. Improved training approaches may help farmers acquire the knowledge and leadership skills required for meaningful involvement in community agricultural development. The study will conclude that effective extension training can contribute to stronger farmer participation in agricultural development committees by improving farmers’ knowledge, skills, confidence, and engagement in collective agricultural activities. It will recommend increased access to regular, practical, participatory, and needs-based extension training, as well as stronger collaboration between extension personnel, farmers’ groups, and agricultural development committees.

Keywords: Extension training, farmers’ participation, agricultural development committees, agricultural extension, farmer education, community development, decision-making, agricultural programmes, leadership skills, farmers’ organizations, rural development, extension services, community participation, agricultural development, farmer empowerment.