This phase starts by first posing the basic question: What is the performance problem? If the answer is the gap between the desirable and the actual job performance by extension personnel, it asks the next question; what is this gap which is required to be overcome by training? In other words, what are the training needs of extension personnel? The training needs are assessed as objectively as possible, drawing a clear distinction between ‘actual’ and ‘imagined’ needs of extension personnel.
Training needs should be assessed at three levels namely
Individual
Groups
Organizational
A number of methods for training needs assessment are available for different levels. The training needs have to be assessed within the field of national priorities and programmes and farmers’ felt needs for training. It is essential to realize that farmers’ felt needs for training lay the foundation upon which the training needs of extension personnel are required to be assessed.
Participants