A Qualitative Study Examining Core Competency Needs of Agricultural Extension Professionals in Nepal

Aims: To identify core competencies required for extension professionals in Nepal, which is needed to provide right education and training and to prepare a competent extension workforce.

Study Design: This was an exploratory qualitative study, which followed an inductive method of data analysis.

Place and Duration of Study: The study conducted in Nepal in May 2015 used focus group discussions for data collection. Each focus groups lasted for about two hours.

Methodology: Participating in three focus groups were purposively selected 23 Nepalese extension experts from agricultural education, extension, research, non-governmental organization and the private sector. A pre-approved discussion guide was used to streamline group discussions. Review of the secondary literature, specially pertaining to the U.S.-based extension core competency related literature were the bases for the questions used in the discussion guide. Discussions were audiotaped and subsequently transcribed. Transcriptions were read through, themes that emerged were coded using open, axial and selective coding, which resulted in ten core competencies. Opinions that stood out are reported and discussed in the paper.

Results and Conclusions: The study identified ten core competencies that Nepalese agricultural extension professionals require to perform their tasks well. Those core competencies are: program planning, program implementation, resource mobilization, technical knowledge, coordinating skills, professionalism, strengthening extension research linkages, communication, leadership and managerial skills, and information and communication technologies.