The Front Line 11. Enthusiasm for the topic.
Extension 12. Empathy with the people and events that are
tWorker treated in the writing.
 As you will see, this is a rather crude analysis, since some of these
 twelve competencies could be broken down into other or sub-
 competencies. However, I think it will serve as an illustration of
 what is involved in constructing a competency list.
 Now, I suggest you pause for a while, before you continue
 reading, and reflect on your own functions as an extension worker.
 Note down the communication competencies you identify as crucial
 in carrying out your functions effectively. Afterwards, you can
 compare your list with my attempt to do it for you.
 This is an important exercise, because you can then use your
 competency list to assess your own training needs.
 So, have a go at reviewing the kinds of things you do in relation to
 farmers and your position in the extension service. Perhaps it will
 help if you first make an actual list of your main functions: such as
 farm visiting, holding field day demonstrations, attending training
 sessions. Then go on to identify and list the necessary competen-
 cies, as in my example, in terms of knowledge, skills and attitudes.

 A COMPETENCY LIST FOR THE COMMUNICATION
 ASPECTS OF EXTENSION WORK

 1. Knowledge of the organization in which the
 extension agent works: the network of colleagues,
 superiors and contacts.
 2. Knowledge of the community in which he works: its
 social and economic characteristics.
 3. Knowledge of individual farmers: their
 personalities, aspirations and problems.
 4. Knowledge of resources: eg. credit facilities,
 fertilizers, equipment, both within and outside the
 community, that can be utilized in the promotion of
 efficient farming.
 5. Skill in relating to people: the ability to express
 himself clearly and the ability to listen.
 6. Skill in motivating and mobilizing people: the
 ability to encourage farmers to adopt and
 experiment with new methods.


Chapter 2