Exploring the Field Assistant’s Activities for Sustainable Development in District Tank, Pakistan

Abstract

To explore the Field Assistant’s (FA) activities for sustainable development in district Tank, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan the present study was conducted during year 2015. Based on guess variability 270 respondents were selected from nine sampled villages Viz. Abizar, Akbari, Amakhel, Gul Imam, Kaka Khel, Kari Shahnoor, Kot Azam, Kiri Haidar and Umar Ada. Data was collected through well structured, pre-tested interview schedule using personal interview method. It was found that that Field Assistants (FAs) provides new information (175 respondents). It was also found that FAs were available at their offices (164) and farmers were satisfied from the solution recommended by FAs, of the problem they reported (159). Chi-square test results showed highly significant (P≤0.01) association among land holding with FAs office visits by farmers and FAs visits to farmer’s fields. Similarly highly significant (P≤0.01) association of age was also observed with FAs visit to field. Highly significant (P≤0.01) positive correlation of provision of new knowledge by FAs was also observed with benefits from recommendation of FAs (0.586) and demonstrations (0.61) conducted by FAs. It is concluded that apart from non-availability of proper facilities for FAs they were indulge in performing their duties to their level best. Majority of respondents appreciate their work in improving their knowledge of agriculture, solving their problems, increasing their productivity, uplift of their life and thus results in sustainable development.

Keywords: Field Assistants; Sustainable Development; Field Visits