A Multi-Level Evaluation of Policy Integration of Human Resource Development in Agriculture Sector

Human resource development assumes as a golden key for a knowledge-based economy and competitiveness. This study evaluates policy integration of human resource development (HRD) in agricultural sector within the context of multi-level governance (i.e., interdependence of administrative levels in decision making) and suggests means to enhance policy integration in Bangladesh. Conducting a critical review of major policy instruments, key informant interview and two case studies, this study concluded that HRD issue has fairly included and observed consistency (between the aim of HRD and policy) in all policies and strategies; majority of policy instruments have significantly addressed the significance of HRD and added plans for its development; reporting, monitoring and evaluation of policies and strategies are rather weak and there is no adequate flow of financial arrangement that is largely determined by the availability of government project. Based on the findings, the following means should be useful for improving HRD policy integration such as providing a handsome amount of development budget at the sub-district agricultural office, formulating coherent strategies to build effective cooperation, coordination and participation among stakeholders, initiating special capacity building programmes for rural women, young farmers and smallholders and mainstreaming HRD issue in governmental planning and programmes, and accordingly crafting policies and implementation.