Unravelling Stakeholder Power and Influence Dynamics in Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services at The Local Level in Federal Nepal

Given the scale and complexity of the diverse agricultural realm, a linear and straightforward flow of advisory service delivery doesn’t seem effective. Current advisory service delivery emphasizes interaction and dynamics between heterogeneous stakeholders for an effective and efficient service flow globally. This research article contributes to such dynamics by exploring heterogeneous stakeholders' influence and power in extension and advisory services at the local/municipal level in federal Nepal. A convergent parallel mixed-method study design was employed in conjunction with a cross-sectional research strategy. Structured interview, FGD and KII were major tools of data collection. In order to conduct a structured face to face interview, 213 stakeholders were chosen in Chandragiri and Dakshinkali municipalities through simple random sampling followed by four focus groups, 23 key informant interviews. Social network analysis and influence mapping tool was conducted to find relative influence of stakeholders within a network whereas garrets ranking and power mapping tool was conducted to assess the relative power of stakeholders within a network. The data set ensured to have minimum characteristics and standard to run the social network analysis. The social network analysis and influence mapping tool revealed that the agriculture section has the highest influence (eigenvector centrality (CE)=1; betweenness centrality (CB)=7249.41), followed by the farmers group (CE=0.92; CB=5494.58), progressive farmers (CE=0.852; CB=4907.39), and input suppliers (CE=0.7; CB=2960.68) in the extension and advisory service network. Garrett’s ranking and power mapping tool revealed that political representatives were most powerful (decision-making, resource allocation, and implementation) at the municipal level, followed by the agriculture section, administrative officer, and farmers group. However, the knowledge gap is more persistent among them (apart from the agriculture section). The present agriculture advisory service through the local government didn’t incorporate all the relevant stakeholders that have more power and influence across the service delivery dynamics. This result in inefficient and not so satisfactory service to the service recipient that are the end user of the services. The study emphasizes the need for the recognition of neglected influencing stakeholders i.e., input suppliers and progressive farmers along with knowledge level enhancement of them. The study could be used to formulate better policies, frameworks, guidelines for effective and efficient delivery of public extension and advisory services at federal Nepal.