IDENTIFICATION AND PRIORITIZATION OF THE TRAINING NEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION ADMINISTRATORS IN EFFICIENT DECISION MAKING PROCESSES IN THE PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

Recently the Government of Pakistan has asked the Extension Administrators (EAs) to work under a different paradigm i.e. Devolution of Power Plan 2001. The present study was formulated to analyze the competency levels of EAs to perform the work under this paradigm. The study represented descriptive survey research. The population for this study consisted of 134 Extension Administrators (EAs) employed in the Punjab Province, Pakistan. One hundred and twelve (112) respondents were selected randomly. Face and content validity of the instrument was established. Questionnaire containing decision making competency with 7 competency statements was mailed to these respondents. The useable response rate was 63% (71 out of 112). After data collection, data were analyzed by using SPSS “Statistical Package for Social Sciences”. The discrepancies were ranging from lowest value 1.32 to highest value 1.55; it means that EAs needed training in all 7 competencies in decision-making. The scientific attitude towards decision making and problem solving is very rarely found in Pakistan especially in rural communities. However, it is very common among people of developed countries. The EAs who know the subject matter of Agronomy and other related aspects of agriculture need to be trained inscientific decision making process and procedure.