AN ANALYSIS OF THE PROBLEMS FACED BY FARMERS IN THE MOUNTAINS OF NORTHWEST PAKISTAN: CHALLENGES FOR AGRI. EXTENSION

Farming in the mountain areas has always been a challenge for agri. extension workers and researchers. The mountainous areas of most of the countries are usually among least developed regions and the mountain communities largely depend on farming for their subsistence. At the same time harsh weather, remoteness, scattered population, underdeveloped infrastructure etc. are some of the key factors hampering the better agricultural productivity in such areas. In this perspective the main objective of this paper is to underline some of the factors hindering the agricultural productivity and effective agri. extension services in the mountainous areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used for the purpose of data collection. Key informants as well as focus group interviews and participant observations were included to acquire qualitative data. Quantitative data were collected through a well structured questionnaire. The results revealed that small land holding, lack of access to bank loans, lack of female extension workers and subsistence farming are found to be some of the key challenges for effective agri. extension service in the area.