Abstract

The study aims to assess the effectiveness of the current agricultural information management system and communication, and the gap between required and available information to extension personnel at central highland of Ethiopia. Consulting with head of districts agricultural office, 5 to 6 farmers training center (FTC) from Welmera and Ejera districts were selected randomly. 92 development agents and eleven subject matter specialist who were working in each FTC and bureau of agricultural were interviewed. And researchers also collected qualitative data. For data analysis, descriptive statistics tools were used. In the study area, 75% of development agents (DAs) and subject mater specialist (SMS) got new and updated information frequently and occasionally. Even though, more than half of the respondents know the current extension packages that are developed by Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), they lack documentation. Moreover, development agents and subject matter specialist are less satisfied on promotional opportunity and rewarding system in their organization. The overall finding of the study underlined less availability of regular trainings on new agricultural technologies, less availability of promotional opportunities and rewarding system to DA and SMS, documentation and fewer office equipment problems at FTC level in the area. Therefore, agricultural research center and Ministry of Agriculture should provide problem solving trainings on new agricultural technologies and media design techniques regularly, reconsider salary, promotional opportunities and rewarding system of DA and SMS, supervision of documentation system at FTC level, and furnishing FTC office would help to improve the current agricultural information system in the area.

Key words: Development agents, agricultural knowledge, farmers training center, source of information.