Assessing the Competence of Watershed Field Functionaries in Implementing Land Resource Inventory-Based Watershed Activities: A Case Study

Land resource inventory (LRI) based site-specific watershed planning is an emerging approach in rainfed watershed management, wherein success is depends on watershed field functionaries (WFFs) competency in effective implementation of LRI interventions. However, gaps in competencies among WFFs may limit their ability to effectively execute these interventions. Therefore, this study aims to understand and identify competency gaps among WFFs, using the Borich need assessment model. Data were collected from 36 WFFs in four sub-watersheds in Karnataka, India. The findings revealed significant gaps in technical, persuasion and ICT skills related to LRI activities, including planning and designing of conservation structures (MWDS = 0.214), preparation of survey estimates (MWDS = 0.212) and preparation of LRI-based detailed project report (MWDS = 0.193), essential for effective execution of site-specific interventions. Hence, this study recommends for institutionalizing standard competency assessment among WFFs and designing of targeted capacity building modules will significantly improves effectiveness and sustainability of site-specific watershed interventions.