EMPOWERING EXTENSION AGENTS FOR SUSTAINABLE COCOA DEVELOPMENT: INSIGHTS INTO TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND HUMAN RESOURCE CHALLENGES
Authors: Murni Azureen Mohd Pakri1*, Jasmin Arif Shah1, Salim Hassan1, Mohd Mustafa Munim Motolani2 and Ramle Kasin3
Journal Issue: Malaysian Cocoa Journal, Volume 17 2025
Keywords: Technology transfer, human resource development, extension agents’ work performance, agricultural extension, capacity building
Published On: 5/11/2025
Abstract
Extension agents play a crucial role in facilitating technology transfer and human resource development, ensuring that cocoa farmers and stakeholders acquire the necessary knowledge and skills for sustainable agricultural advancement. Their effectiveness directly influences the adoption of agricultural innovations and the overall resilience of cocoa farming communities. This study assesses the work performance of extension agents in technology transfer and human resource development within the cocoa sector, identifying key competencies that influence their effectiveness. Understanding these factors is essential for strengthening extension services and enhancing agricultural outreach programs tailored to cocoa production. The study employed an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design. In the quantitative phase, a structured survey evaluated extension agents' competencies, including technical skills, technology delivery skills, technology evaluation skills, leadership, decision-making skills, and social skills. Statistical analysis was conducted to determine the significance of these competencies in predicting work performance. The qualitative phase involved in-depth interviews with selected extension agents, offering contextual insights into their experiences, challenges, and perspectives. The quantitative analysis revealed that while technical skills were essential, technology delivery skills, technology evaluation skills, and social skills were not significant predictors of work performance. However, qualitative findings highlighted that training and leadership played a more influential role in extension effectiveness. The study underscores the need for targeted training programs and policy interventions to enhance extension agents’ competencies, particularly in stakeholder engagement and adaptive communication. These findings contribute to refining agricultural extension models, fostering sustainable cocoa development, and improving resilience within cocoa farming communities.