An analysis of farmers’ perception about agriculture extension workers’ capabilities in enhancing maize productivity in District Shangla-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with reference to climate change

Abstract

This study analyzed farmers’ perception about extension workers’ capabilities in enhancing maize productivity with reference to climate change in District Shangla, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan. Two villages were taken purposively from three union council of Tehsil Besham in District Shangla for data collection. Data was collected data through well-structured interview schedule which was analyzed using SPSS V.20 software and descriptive statistics, likert scale and Chi-square test was used for association. Maximum respondents (32%) were found in the age 26-35 years with majority (47%) of respondents having 1-2 acres of land. Moreover, maximum maize growers were literate in joint families, whereas majority was small landholders and owner cultivators with main source of income which was business.  About 49% maize growers were getting Pakistani Rupees 20,000 per season as maximum (82%) growers were getting 6400-12800 kg/acre maize production from local varieties. Farmers' perceptions about extension workers' familiarity with climate change on record keeping about climate change issue was ranked 1st with highest mean value 3.12 and standard deviation 1.34 and promoting cultivation of improved maize varieties were ranked 2nd with higher mean value 2.73 and standard deviation 1.21, while familiarity with climate change was ranked 4th with lowest mean value 2.67 and standard deviation 1.31.  Extension personnel should visit maize growers regularly from seeding through harvesting which was highly discouraging in regards of visits for addressing their issues regarding climate change and weather suitability of maize hybrid varieties for higher production through local agriculture programs broadcast on a local FM channel and pamphlets.