Evaluation of performance of extension workers in Lesotho

Abstract

The extension service in Lesotho and other developing countries have been criticized for not being able to bring the necessary change in the farming populace, especially the rural and resource poor. Extension workers are faced with problems that need to be dealt with in order for them and extension as a whole to be effective and efficient. There are constraints that hinder extension workers to do their work which ultimately leads to poor performance and low efficiency. Extension managers have a vital role to play in ensuring that extension workers improve their work performance and as a result become more efficient and productive. In order to accomplish these managers must acquire the required skills to improve human behaviour at work through the application of personnel management techniques. The techniques include, how to direct, train and motivate employees. Regular evaluation of worker's performance is also essential. This has to be done by using the correct evaluation instrument in such a way that will clearly indicate areas which need attention. Results of the study show that the performance ratings of extension officers suggest that extension staff were performing well. This cannot be true since most of the factors that affect efficiency were found to be negative. It is therefore obvious that the evaluation instrument currently employed was not successfully implemented. Certain factors, which determine the efficiency of the extension service as a whole, were inappropriately provided for by the Department of Agriculture. These include relevant training, promotion opportunities, motivation, competence and credibility of extension workers.

Keywords: extension workers, evaluation, performance, training, motivation

South African Journal of Agricultural Extension Vol. 34(2) 2005: 275-288