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Effect of In-Service Training on Agricultural Extension Agents’ Professional Performance

Abstract

In-service training is an important component of professional development for agricultural extension agents because it provides opportunities for updating knowledge, developing technical skills, and improving professional competencies. Agricultural extension agents operate in a changing environment where new technologies, production practices, communication methods, and rural development approaches continue to emerge. Regular in-service training can therefore support agents in maintaining the knowledge and skills required to provide effective agricultural advisory services to farmers. This study will examine the effect of in-service training on agricultural extension agents’ professional performance. The study will assess the extent of agents’ participation in in-service training, determine their level of professional performance, and examine the influence of training on their ability to perform extension-related responsibilities. It will also identify training-related factors that may affect the effectiveness of professional development among agricultural extension agents. The study will focus on the frequency, duration, content, relevance, and methods of in-service training received by extension agents. It will also examine professional performance in areas such as farmer advisory services, technical information delivery, communication, farm visits, training facilitation, demonstration activities, problem-solving, record keeping, reporting, community engagement, and follow-up activities. Agents’ access to training opportunities and perceived relevance of training to their work will also be considered. A quantitative research approach will be adopted for the study. Data will be collected from agricultural extension agents through structured questionnaires designed to obtain information on their in-service training experiences and professional performance. The data will be analysed using frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations, correlation analysis, and regression analysis to determine the relationship between in-service training and agricultural extension agents’ professional performance. The study is expected to reveal that regular and relevant in-service training may contribute to improved professional performance among agricultural extension agents. Training may strengthen agents’ technical knowledge, communication skills, advisory abilities, problem-solving capacity, and competence in delivering extension programmes. However, irregular training opportunities, inadequate training resources, limited practical components, and training content that does not adequately reflect field responsibilities may reduce the potential benefits of in-service training. The study will be useful to agricultural extension agents, extension management authorities, agricultural development agencies, farmers’ associations, government agencies, rural development organisations, policymakers, and agricultural researchers. The findings may provide useful information for improving professional development programmes, identifying training gaps, allocating training resources, and strengthening the capacity of extension personnel to deliver effective agricultural advisory services. The study concludes that in-service training can play an important role in strengthening the professional performance of agricultural extension agents. It is therefore recommended that extension management authorities provide regular, relevant, and practical training opportunities that reflect current agricultural and rural development needs. Training programmes should include field demonstrations, practical exercises, refresher courses, and continuous professional development activities to enhance agents’ knowledge, skills, and effectiveness in delivering agricultural extension services.

Keywords: In-service training, agricultural extension agents, professional performance, professional development, extension services, capacity building, extension training, agricultural advisory services, technical skills, communication skills, farmer advisory services, extension competencies, staff development, agricultural development, extension management.