Understanding Institutional Barriers to Continuing Professional Development among Agricultural Officers (Extension) in Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

In the context of rapidly changing technological and socio-economic conditions, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is essential for Agricultural Officers (Extension) to perform their roles effectively and deliver responsive Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services (AEAS) to farmers. This study aimed to identify the institutional barriers that hinder Agricultural Officers in acquiring, maintaining, and developing the core competencies required for CPD. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed using a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data were collected through a survey questionnaire administered to 213 respondents selected by simple random sampling from a population of 477 Agricultural Officers (Extension), with the sample size determined at a 95% confidence level and 5% confidence interval. Qualitative data were generated through key informant interviews and focus group discussions, with participants selected purposively until data saturation was reached. Quantitative data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) through descriptive statistics, including means, standard deviations, and weighted scores, while qualitative data were analyzed using deductive content analysis. The findings revealed that increased workload from non-extension tasks assigned by the district administration and financial constraints were the most severe institutional barriers. In contrast, inadequate facilities at training institutes and insufficient transportation were ranked comparatively lower, though they remained important constraints. Overall, all ten identified institutional barriers hindered the CPD of Agricultural Officers to a moderate-to-high extent. The study concludes that organizational-level reforms are necessary to reduce these barriers and strengthen the professional capacity of extension officers for more effective, demand-driven AEAS delivery in Punjab, Pakistan.