Clientele satisfaction towards the public-private partnership extension model introduced for technology dissemination in tea smallholding sector in Sri Lanka

This empirical study aims to explore the potentials of a public–private partnership (PPP) extension model by appraising the partners’ willingness for such an extension model for effective transfer of technologies as a remedy to fill the gap in the extension service to tea smallholders in Sri Lanka. By assessing its strengths and weaknesses using opinions of key stakeholders, the formulated model was applied to six extension channels (two factory based, two society-based and two agro-inputs dealer oriented extension channels)of the tea smallholding sector in the Matara and Ratnapura Districts. A survey was conducted using 180 randomly selected smallholders and primary data on their social status, extent cultivated, yield and other field data, inputs, source of information, degree of collaboration and type of extension activities were collected, Regular monitoring of extension activities of the participants in the selected channels was carried out for a period of 12 months. The satisfaction and perceptions of the services received from the specific extension channel was assessed by using scales. The primary and secondary evaluation data at different stages of implementation were statistically analysed using SPSS package. The results confirm the smallholder satisfaction on effectiveness of collaborative approach PPP model in all dimensions (Frequency, Adequacy, Usefulness, Relevancy and overall satisfaction). The level of perception on partnership significantly correlated with their exposure to extension activities (p < 0.001) and their commitment (p<0.05) towards extension programs. The PPP extension model implemented in this study is proven as effective in all dimensions (p < 0.05). Hence, it is recommended that the organizations responsible develop management and fiscal procedures to adopt this model to better serve the smallholders.