Title: IMPACT OF THE DAESI PROGRAMME ON AGRI-INPUT DEALERS: A KIRKPATRICK MODEL OF EVALUATION THROUGH PCA

Authors: E. Ravi Goud, G. Dhanalaksmi and K. Raghavendra Chowdary

Publisher: The President, Society of Extension Education Gujarat

Keywords: DAESI programme, Kirkpatrick model, training evaluation, principal component analysis, agri-input dealers

Volume: 41

Issue: 2

Year: June 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56572/gjoee.2026.41.2.0002

Abstract: The present study was conducted to assess the impact of the Diploma course in Agricultural Extension Services for Input Dealers (DAESI) programme by using the Kirkpatrick four-level evaluation model, supplemented with Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to capture the multidimensional relations of training outcomes. A Longitudinal Ex-post facto evaluation design was adopted, and all 40 trained agri-input dealers from Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh were included in the study. Data were collected across four levels reaction, learning, behaviour, and results using structured schedules. Mean Percent Scores (MPS) and level-wise indices were computed, and a composite impact index was derived by assigning appropriate weights to each level. Descriptive statistics and PCA were used for analysis. The results revealed that the DAESI programme had a positive impact, with a composite impact index of 82.70. Among the four levels, learning recorded the highest index (86.38), followed by reaction (84.04), behaviour (80.13), and results (79.85), indicating strong knowledge and skill acquisition with relatively moderate translation into field-level outcomes. PCA identified three principal components with eigenvalues greater than one, explaining 70.55 per cent of the total variance. The components represented programme delivery and advisory effectiveness (38.72%), skill-driven business improvement (16.59%), and knowledge acquisition (15.24%). The biplot analysis indicated strong associations between skill enhancement and business improvement, as well as between advisory services, behavioural change, and input adoption. The study concludes that the DAESI programme effectively enhances the technical competence and professional orientation of agri-input dealers. However, the comparatively lower performance at the results level highlights the need for strengthened post-training support and institutional linkages to maximize long-term impact.