SATISFACTION LEVELS OF AGRICULTURAL OFFICERS (EXTENSION) REGARDING STAFF DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

A study was conducted in the Department of Agricultural Extension, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad during 2006-07 to formulate development strategy for Agricultural Officers (AOs) who are serving as front line agents in the agricultural extension organization. A total of 108 AOs and 42 Deputy District Officers Agriculture (DDOAs) were taken as respondents. Two separate questionnaires for AOs and DDOAs were developed. The results revealed that majority of the AOs (65%) and DDOAs (73.8%) was in favour of arranging the induction training. The AOs reported the availability of extension magazines (78.7%), extension bulletins (68.52%), departmental progress reports and newspapers articles (50.93%) for their self learning through print material. They were found satisfied with these tools except for news papers articles. Availability of audio documentaries (37.96%) and video documentaries (19.44%) was reported to be limited for self-learning through electronic material and respondents were less satisfied with both. Internet facility was available to only 6.48 percent of the AOs. The AOs reported the availability of short-term training opportunities through training institutes/organizations (81.48%) and on-job training (78.7%). They showed satisfaction with both types of trainings. The overall view of the DDOAs (serving as supervisors) was similar to that of AOs (supervisees) about the professional development opportunities for the AOs.