Effects of Training on Skill Development of Agricultural Extension Workers in Bangladesh: A Case Study in Four Upazilas (Sub-district) Under Kishoreganj District

Abstract: This study was conducted to identify the contributing Off-the-Job Trainings (Off-JT) and determinant On-the-Job Training (OJT) for developing Agricultural Extension Workers ’ (AEWs) extension skills. Data on AEWs ’ skill levels on selected four extension skill areas (namely, working with group, organizing and running a demonstration, assessing farmers ’ problems, and work planning), attendance of Off-JT, and OJT practices were collected from 90 AEWs using structured questionnaires. The mean scores of AEWs ’ extension skill levels on the four extension skill areas ranged from 60 to 67. Most of the Off-JTs significantly differed between the AEWs ’ group 1 (namely the low skill level group) and AEWs ’ group 2 (namely the high skill level group) in the areas of selected four extension skills. Except one Off-JT on “developing group dynamics ” all the others Off-JTs were important contributing factors to the AEWs ’ skill on working with group. Less than half of the Off-JTs were important contributing factors to the AEWs ’ skill on organizing and running a demonstration, problem identification, and planning. On the other hand, almost all of the AEWs in group 2 were practiced OJT with intension to develop their extension skills. However, the OJT that practiced by the AEWs in group 1 was very much limited