Analyzing Extension and Advisory Service Delivery Dynamics in Nepal through Social Network Analysis Lens: A Comparative Study

Aims: Amid the changes in extension and advisory service delivery after federalism in Nepal. The existing players and new players in the network influence the flow and accessibility of services, providing both opportunities and challenges. However, very few studies have been carried out. So, this research was designed to analyze the perception and diffusion flow dynamics/pattern (mediators) of public extension and advisory services at the local/municipal level in Nepal.

Study Design: A cross-sectional research approach with a convergent parallel mixed-method research design was used.

Methodology: A field survey was carried out by selecting 200 stakeholders using a simple random sampling method, 22 key informant interviews, and 4 focus group discussions at Chandragiri and Dakshinkali municipalities.

Results: The five-point Likert Scale (13 constructs), social network analysis, and community network map revealed that the EAS network with progressive farmers (CB= 2384.94), agriculture section (CB= 1134.8), input suppliers (CB= 855.21), farmers group (CB= 511.7), and social actors (CB= 452.58) as strong mediators, had a poor perception toward current public extension and advisory services. The EAS network with agriculture section (CB= 2292), farmers group (CB= 2199.5), input suppliers (CB= 584.32,) and progressive farmers (CB= 481.9) as their strong mediators in the EAS network perceive the public EAS slightly positively.

Conclusion: The research concludes that the stakeholders often neglected by government institutions but perceived strong mediators in the EAS network must be identified and prioritized for effective service delivery. The study could be a basis for the stakeholders' identification and management in the service delivery framework of public extension and advisory service delivery at the municipal/local level.