Leadership dynamics of farmer in lead farmer centered extension advisory and delivery services (leads) in Kerala : critical analysis

Abstract

The study entitled ‘Leadership dynamics of farmers in Lead Farmer Centered Extension Advisory and Delivery Services (LEADS) in Kerala: A critical analysis” was conducted with the primary objectives of developing a Leadership Competency Index (LCILEADS) for measuring the leadership competency of lead farmers and analyzing the contributing indicators of LCILEADS. Leadership competency development package was also developed for improving their leadership competencies. Eliciting and evaluating role expectation and role performance of lead farmers and satellite farmers was done. Constraint analysis on role performance was done and guidelines for effective leadership performance were also developed. Study also envisaged to find out the effectiveness of LEADS in Kerala for which a multi-dimensional scale was developed. The study was conducted in Kollam, Kannur, Palakkad and Wayanad districts. From each district, 30 lead farmers,30 satellite farmers and 30 practicing farmers were selected for the study, thereby constituting 90 farmers per district. Thus, a total of 360 respondents were selected for the study. To summarise, Kollam had the highest leadership competency index (6.60) and the least was found in Wayanad district (0.624). Psychological dimension was found to have the highest index value (0.705) and least index value was found in political dimension (0.550). The PCA results indicated that group cohesion, assertiveness, adoption of organic measures in farming and membership in organisations were the major contributing indicators of the LCILEADS. Effectiveness of LEADS programme was found to be high in Palakkad in all the respondent categories of lead, satellite and practicing farmers and lowest effectiveness was found in Wayanad in all respective categories. Among the dimensions’ technical efficiency was found to be the most significant. In case of perception, there was a no significant difference in perception of satellite farmers regarding the role expectation of lead farmers, but there was significant difference in perception of practicing farmers regarding the role expectation of satellite farmers. The LCDPLEADS developed as part of the study was found to effective in imparting knowledge and skill in all aspects, especially in case of good agricultural practices and soil sampling. The major constraints experienced in leads programme were technology repetition over the years and inadequate technology innovation fund. In conclusion, leadership competency stands as a linchpin for the sustainable advancement of agriculture. In a sector grappling with technological evolution, environmental challenges, and global market dynamics, effective leadership is imperative. Competent leaders drive innovation, foster collaboration, and navigate complexities inherent in modern agriculture.