Evaluating Agroforestry Extension Workers’ Technical and Human Relation Competencies: A Ranked Discrepancy Model Needs Assessment

Abstract

Increasingly, agroforestry is being promoted to smallholders as a method to adapt to and mitigate climate change while addressing socio-economic limitations. Promoting agroforestry practices requires organizations to have competent staff with requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) for their roles. This study examined perceived competency training needs among international workers promoting agroforestry. A Ranked Discrepancy Model (RDM) was used to determine and prioritize the KSA training needs of agroforestry professionals in selected countries in the Global South. This study was conducted with a nonrandom snowball sample of 107 professionals who promote agroforestry to smallholder farmers. As a nonrandom sample, the results represent those who participated, and caution is warranted in generalizing. Agroforestry Extension professionals deemed all items as either average or important, and training gaps existed in all agroforestry KSAs; however, the most notable training gaps were in (a) agribusiness, and (b) pests and disease. The research provides insights into the training needs of agroforestry personnel promoting agroforestry to smallholders in selected areas across the Global South. This study contributes to the theory for both professional development researchers and practitioners with the inclusion of a Ranked Discrepancy Model.