Correlation Analysis of Technology Transfer Skills and Work Performance of Extension Agents’ Among Cocoa Smallholders in Malaysia

This study examines the relationship between technology transfer skills and work performance of extension agents among cocoa farmers in Malaysia. The study used stratified sampling technique to select 668 cocoa farmers who are exposed to extension programmes facilitated by the extension agents of Malaysian Cocoa Board in the three regions of Malaysia. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation and regression analyses. Result shows that cocoa farmers rated level of work performance, technical, technology delivery, and technology evaluation skills as high. Significant and positive correlation (p<0.01) existed between each variables and work performance. Regression analysis results showed that technology transfer skills were significant predictors to enhance work performance. The R2 value of 0.511 indicates that the three skills give 51.1% explanation of the variance in extension agents’ work performance. The result also suggested that technical skill (β=0.346) was the most important factor that influence work performance followed by technology delivery skill and technology evaluation skill. Hence, technology transfer skills should be taken into consideration in enhancing work performance, especially among farmers and the extension agents who work with them for a continuous performance improvement in their work. The skills that have been identified in this study can be integrated into both the pre-service and in-service training and development of extension agents in their line of work to improve their skills in sharing new technology