The present status and role of the Thurusaviya Rubber Societies in the smallholder rubber sector in Moneragala District: Extension Officers’ perception

Abstract

The farmer-based organization known Thurusaviya Rubber Societies (TRSs) has been established by the Thurusaviya Fund (TF) for the development of the smallholder rubber sector. This study attempted to assess the present status and role of the TRSs in the smallholder rubber sector in the Moneragala District. The views of 18 Extension Officers (Rubber Development Officers and the two district Coordinating Officers of TF) with over five years of work experience were used to create two focus group discussions by Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Approach. The perception of the key entities (Organizational structure, Organizational culture, Function of the organization, External environment and Intervention of organizational development) responsible for the development and welfare support for the rubber smallholders was assessed. Data were analysed qualitatively as a case study in Moneragala. Results revealed, that the majority of TRSs considered in the study were not performing well due to factors such as poor leadership, lack of transparency, lack of enthusiasm of members, lack of trustworthiness, attitudes of members, the role of the Field Officers and changes in the external environment and politics. The contribution from the management unit and the membership was greater in TRSs that were highly active than that of the poorly active TRSs. The self-reliance capacity was low in the majority (99%) of the TRSs and was highly dependent on Extension Officers involved and the Government’s assistance. The majority of TRSs were not goal-oriented and under performing and not dynamic in organizational performances. Hence, extension and development agents feel that critical intervention is required to overcome the above weaknesses. Therefore, organizational development should be done by concerning; goal orientation, need identification, the interaction between Field Officers and TRSs and guiding the TRSs, restructuring of organizations, offering compensation for the management unit, development of physical resources and developing as business entities to achieve their goals and objectives.