A CONTENT ANALYSIS OF MASTERS DISSERTATIONS SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION, UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE, FAISALABAD, PAKISTAN

Abstract

A study was conducted at the Institute of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan during the year 2014 to unleash the most commonly focussed research sectors and study areas selected in Masters dissertations submitted to the Department of Agricultural Extension from 2000-2009 (10 years). These dissistions were studied in Departmental Library and analyzed carefully. About 79 dissertations were submitted to the Department in Departmental library during said period which were taken under consideration for analysis and interpretation of results and conclusions. The results concluded that public sector was most frequently focussed in these research studies whereas major crops were also given high preference. Major agronomic crops were considered more whereas vegetables, pulses and fodder crops were not focussed during the selection of research sector. Central mixed zone was highly focussed for selection as study area and this zone was mostly considered for data collection. No proper rules were observed to be followed in selection of study zones. Increasing trend was also found in number of dissertations submitted form 2000 to 2009. About 75% of research studies were addressed on public sector extension. Out of all crops, majority (30.4%) of the research studies were conducted on agronomic crops. Most (33%) of the research studies were conducted on major agronomic crops of Pakistan. Central mixed zone was mostly (51.90%) studied zone of Punjab. In cotton zone, Bahawalpur was mostly (5.1%) focussed. In rice zone, Narowal and Sialkot districts were studied most (2.5% each). From central mixed zone, Faisalabad district was studied most (36.4%) frequently. In semi irrigated zone, Muzaffargarh was mostly (6.5%) studied while in barani zone, Rawalpindi was mostly (3.9) studied.