Assessment of Essential Competencies for Agricultural Extension Workers in Khartoum State

Abstract

This study aimed mainly (i) to investigate the professional competencies needed by the agricultural extension workers in Khartoum State and the factors affecting them and (ii) to reach some recommendations that can help in improving competencies of the agricultural extension workers. The study was mainly based on primary data collected from the 43 extension workers in Khartoum State. The data were collected by means of a questionnaire and personal interviews. Simple statistics were used to describe the different variables of the study. Chi-square test was also applied to identify relationships between some selected variables of the study. The results revealed that most of the extension workers were in need of training in most of the studied competencies. The findings also showed that among the variables, that significantly contributed to the level of extension workers’ performance, were extension workers' current tasks, their educational level and period and type of training. Based on these findings, it is recommended that (i) in designing extension plans, it is necessary to include diversified training in terms of methods and contents and (ii) due consideration should be given to training needs assessment