Role of Opinion Leaders in Technology Transfer among the Farmers

Abstract

The objectives of the study were to determine the role of Opinion Leaders (OLs) in technology transfer among farmers and to explore the relationship between selected characteristics and the extent of the role played by OLs in technology transfer. The study was conducted in different villages of Dumuria Upazila under Khulna District. Data were collected from 25 Opinion Leaders. The statements of the Opinion Leaders were cross-checked using the same interview schedule with 70 farmers from the selected areas. Data were collected from October 20, 2021 to January 5, 2022. A total of 25 statements related to the role of OLs in technology transfer were included in the interview schedule to measure their role as perceived by both the OLs and the farmers. In addition, 10 problems faced by OLs in performing their role in technology transfer among farmers were included in the interview schedule. Furthermore, 15 statements related to the role of farmers as recipients of services provided by OLs were included to measure the role of OLs in technology transfer as perceived by both OLs and farmers. According to the responses of the OLs, the majority (60%) played an important role in providing extension services to farmers, while the majority (72%) faced a moderate level of problems. According to the OLs, the majority (80%) of farmers played an important role as recipients of extension services provided by OLs. On the other hand, farmers’ perceptions revealed that the majority (87.1%) of OLs played an important role, 65.7% faced a moderate level of problems, and the highest proportion (84.3%) of farmers played an important role as recipients of extension services provided by OLs. Among the eleven selected personal characteristics, family income, training received, and contact with extension media had significant positive relationships with the extent of the role played by Opinion Leaders in extension services. Thus, it can be concluded that necessary steps should be taken to involve, train, and supervise Opinion Leaders so that they can acquire and transmit knowledge to farmers according to their needs and comfort. This will help farmers adopt new technologies and contribute to the further development of agriculture.