Abstract:
One of the most inhibiting forces to successful development is lack of effective
communication within and between different actors. Likewise, communication in
extension organizations takes place within the organization and outside the
organization among different actors. Hence, the overall objective of the study was to
assess the communication patterns among extension personnel and between farmers.
The specific objectives were: to explore the relationship between personal and socio-
psychological factors that affect effectiveness of communication among extension
personnel and farmers; to investigate the institutional factors that affect effectiveness
of communication among extension personnel and farmers; and to identify
communication methods and media used by extension personnel. The research
design was cross-sectional survey. The study used a multi-stage stratified sampling
to select respondents. A total of 120 farmers, 30 VEWs, and 23 SMSs were selected
for the study. Data were collected from both primary and secondary sources using
self administered questionnaires, interview schedule, group discussion, semi-
structured interview, informal discussions, and observations. Data were analyzed
using simple descriptive statistics (percentage and frequency), chi-square, and
correlation. The results of the study revealed that communication apprehension level
had relation with some of personal factors of the extension personnel and weak
communication existed between extension personnel and other organizations, and
farmers’ contact with the extension personnel was inadequate. The results further
pointed out that transportation, lack of improved technologies and relevant
information, and involvement of VEWs in non-extension activities were important
problems that affect communication among extension personnel and with farmers.ii
Utilization of communication methods and media by the extension personnel was
insignificant. Comprehensive training, establishing rural development task force, co-
ordinated field visit program, and improve the work relationship to different
organizations are among the recommendations drawn to improve effectiveness of
communication patterns among extension personnel and farmers in the study area.
