Abstract:
The performance of Development Agents is an important factor for the fulfillment of
agricultural extension’s goals. The job performance of the DA relies on the job
satisfaction, motivation and competence of the individual DA. Performance evaluation is
a key duty in extension organization to determine whether the goals of extension are
achieved or not. Development Agents in the study area showed low motivation, and less
communication with farmers. Moreover, farmers were not satisfied with the extension
service to the required level. Hence, the purpose of this study was to assess the
performance level of DAs and to identify factors influencing the performance of DAs in
the study area. Based on different literature and personal observation, sixteen
independent variables were hypothesized to affect the dependent variable ‘job
performance’. Among personal factors age, sex, work experience, agriculture
background, marital status, and distance from home place to working area were
considered as important factors influencing DAs’ job performance. Organizational
administration, supervision, interpersonal relationship, and working condition were
analyzed under organizational or institutional factors. Recognition, advancement,
responsibility and the work itself were analyzed under work related factors. Achievement
motivation and perception about salary were considered under psychological factors.
Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected from primary and secondary
sources. A survey, consisting of questionnaire, key informants interview and group
discussions was carried-out to achieve the research objectives. Descriptive statistics like
percentage and chi-square test were used. Moreover, an econometric ordered logit
regression model was used for data analysis. The overall job performance of DAs was at
23.5, 51 and 25.5 percent at low, medium and high levels respectively. This was close to
customer satisfaction survey/ key informants’ responses which was at 24.21, 48.42, and
27.37 percent low, medium and high levels of satisfaction from the extension service
respectively. The results of the ordered logit regression model revealed that achievement,
advancement, job background, and working conditions were significant for the job
performance level of DAs. Based on research findings of this study, suitable and
practical recommendations were made so that the performance of the DAs in the area
could be enhanced.
