Skills That Matter: Job Competence in Agricultural Advisory Professionals: A Correlational Study In Cotton Zone, Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

Agricultural extension services play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between research institutions and farming communities. The effectiveness of these services largely depends on the job competence of field-level professionals who provide advisory and technical support to farmers. Competence in this context includes a range of skills such as communication, empathy, judgment, technical knowledge, and initiative. This study was conducted to assess the job competence of Agricultural Advisory Professionals (AAPs) working in selected districts of the Cotton Zone of Punjab, Pakistan. Recognizing the critical role these professionals play in delivering agricultural extension services, the research sought to evaluate their competency levels across key skill dimensions. A total of 140 AAPs were selected using a stratified random sampling technique. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire comprising 30 items categorized into five major competence dimensions: communicative ability, initiative, empathy, technical knowledge, and judgment. Two assessment techniques—self-rating and supervisor-based rating—were used to evaluate job competence, with responses rated on a five-point Likert scale. Descriptive statistics and cross-tabulation techniques were employed for data analysis. Results revealed that 60.84% of AAPs rated themselves at a medium competence level, while 62.50% received the same rating from their supervisors, with an overall medium competence level found in 70% of respondents. Self-ratings indicated higher competence in communicative ability, initiative, empathy, and technical knowledge, whereas supervisor ratings highlighted strengths in initiative, communication, empathy, and judgment. The study recommends the implementation of targeted capacity-building programs, performance appraisal systems, mentorship initiatives, and regular feedback mechanisms to enhance the professional effectiveness of AAPs in agricultural extension services.