































   Advancements in Agricultural Development 
  Volume 6, Issue 2, 2025 
  agdevresearch.org 

 

1. Renzo Ceme, Graduate Assistant, University of Florida, P.O. Box 110540, Gainesville, FL 32611, rcemevinces@ufl.edu,  

 https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1232-9001  
2. Sebastian Galindo, Associate Professor, University of Florida, P.O. Box 110540, Gainesville, FL 32611, sgalindo@ufl.edu,  

 https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4061-773X  
3. Jose Antonio Molina, Graduate Assistant, University of Florida, P.O. Box 110540, Gainesville, FL 32611, 

j.molinagonzalez@ufl.edu,  https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0946-7024   
4. Pablo Lamino, Assistant Professor, University of Florida, P.O. Box 110540, Gainesville, FL 32611, pablo.lamino@ufl.edu,  

 https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3941-4935    
 

86 

 

Exploring the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and 
Threats of Female Extension Agents in Guatemala’s Western 

Highlands  
 

R. Ceme1, S. Galindo2, J. A. Molina3, P. Lamino4 
 

Article History 
Received: March 13, 2025 
Accepted: July 2, 2025 
Published: July 14, 2025 
 
 
Keywords 
extension agents; SWOT analysis; 
rural development; SDG 5: Gender 
Equality; Guatemala 
  

Abstract 
This study explores the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and 
Threats (SWOT) that female health and nutrition extension agents in 
Guatemala’s Western Highlands face. This research aims to understand 
extension agents' perceptions regarding their roles and challenges in 
delivering effective programs. Using an instrumental case study design, 
the research involved semi-structured interviews with 12 female 
extension agents, complemented by observations and analytical and 
methodological memoing. Significant findings reveal that strengths 
include effective communication, professional vocation, and emotional 
awareness. Weaknesses are primarily language barriers and difficulty 
demonstrating program value. Opportunities for expanding the network 
and professional growth were highlighted, while threats encompass 
gender inequality, political instability, and community resistance. 
Recommendations for practitioners and extension program 
implementers include promoting and enhancing multilingual training, 
providing professional development opportunities, and addressing 
gender biases through community engagement.  

 

mailto:rcemevinces@ufl.edu
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1232-9001
mailto:sgalindo@ufl.edu
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4061-773X
mailto:j.molinagonzalez@ufl.edu
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0946-7024
mailto:pablo.lamino@ufl.edu
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3941-4935


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Introduction and Problem Statement 
 
Rural extension is a key driver of rural development (Oakley & Garforth, 1985). In agriculture, 
rural extension aims to improve livelihoods by helping farmers address challenges and 
implement sustainable practices (Davis, 2020; Oakley & Garforth, 1985). In Guatemala, 
extension prioritizes the comprehensive development of rural families, with a focus on food 
security and poverty reduction (Landini & Vargas, 2020). This approach often assumes equal 
benefits among household members, overlooking the distinct roles and needs of women, who 
play a vital role in household nutrition, health, and agricultural productivity (Hernandez et al., 
2023; Wehr et al., 2014). 
 
The latest World Bank (2025) report shows that 57.3% of Guatemalans live in poverty, with 
rural areas worse off. Guatemala also ranks among the highest in gender inequality in Latin 
America, especially in rural areas where women have limited access to education, land, and 
economic opportunities (Instituto Nacional de Estadística, 2025; Mosso et al., 2022; Programa 
de las Naciones Unidas para el Desarrollo, 2024). This intersection of poverty and gender 
disparity highlights the need for extension services that support women (Hernandez et al., 
2023; Petrics & Barale, 2018) and include female extension workers (Berger et al., 1984; 
Ragasa, 2014). 
 
Given their importance to community well-being and the critical role of gender-responsive 
extension services, this study conducts a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats 
[SWOT] analysis of the role of female health and nutrition extension agents in the Western 
Highlands of Guatemala. By examining participants’ perceptions of the SWOT analysis 
components, this research aims to inform practitioners from government and non-government 
organizations about the factors that influence the implementation of nutrition and health-
related extension programs in rural Guatemalan communities. 
 

Conceptual Framework 
 
In Guatemala’s Western Highlands, agricultural extension services are critical for improving 
rural livelihoods, yet they often fail to reach women effectively (Mosso et al., 2022). Women in 
rural sectors play a central role in agriculture and nutrition, but face barriers such as 
entrenched gender norms and limited institutional support (Hoss-Cruz et al., 2024; Mosso et al., 
2022). This study employs a SWOT analysis framework to explore the internal and external 
factors (Gürel, 2017; Sammut-Bonnici & Galea, 2015) influencing the work of female health and 
nutrition extension agents who work with local rural women in this region.  
 
The SWOT analysis approach is employed in this study as a participatory tool to structure and 
synthesize the subjective perspectives (Chiodini, 2020) of female health and nutrition extension 
agents in Guatemala’s Western Highlands. SWOT analysis is a qualitative tool used to structure 
strategic thinking by identifying internal strengths and weaknesses, and external opportunities 
and threats (Gürel, 2017; Sammut-Bonnici & Galea, 2015), as is illustrated in Figure 1:  

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Figure 1 
 
4-Quadrants SWOT Analysis Model Adapted from Bull et al. (2016) 
  

 
Strengths refer to characteristics that add value and make a difference compared to others; 
weaknesses are aspects that do not help create the necessary competence and are a 
disadvantage when compared to others (Gürel, 2017; Phadermrod et al., 2019). Opportunities 
involve conditions or situations that allow the development of activities, considering them as 
advantages; and finally, threats are conditions or situations that hinder the development of an 
activity, considering them as disadvantages (Gürel, 2017; Phadermrod et al., 2019). 
 
SWOT analysis is particularly valuable in contexts where formal data is limited, and stakeholder 
insights are crucial. For this reason, the purpose of the SWOT analysis in this study is to 
structure subjective opinions of extension agents to examine their roles in addressing 
educational programs with women in the rural sector of Guatemala. To accomplish this, SWOT 
analysis is used to reflect the current context using a qualitative instrument for evaluating 
internal and external factors (Phadermrod et al., 2019; Rana et al., 2023).  
 
By capturing the lived experiences of these agents, the SWOT framework helps identify key 
barriers and might assist stakeholders and decision-makers in generating alternatives to 
enhance collaborative development (Barati et al., 2017). This approach not only supports 
strategic planning and problem identification (Barati et al., 2017; Kelsey, 2018) but also ensures 
that the research is grounded in context-specific realities.  
 
In this study, SWOT analysis is applied as a participatory diagnostic method to capture the lived 
experiences and professional insights of female health and nutrition extension agents in 
Guatemala’s Western Highlands. Given the limited reach of agricultural extension services to 
women in this region, the framework provides a structured approach to identify internal and 

Strengths Opportunites

Weaknesses Threats

Po
sit

iv
e 

N
eg

at
iv

e 

Internal External 

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external factors that influence their work. This approach ensures that the findings are grounded 
in the agents’ realities and directly inform strategies aimed at enhancing extension systems. 
 

Purpose 
 
This research explores how female health and nutrition extension agents from the Western 
Highlands of Guatemala perceive their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in 
their role of delivering community-based programs. These agents are frontline workers who 
provide nutritional and health-related education and support to rural women, often serving as 
critical links between government or NGO initiatives and local communities. The study pursued 
the following specific objectives: (a) Identify female extension agents’ strengths, (b) Describe 
female extension agents’ weaknesses, (c) Explain female extension agents’ opportunities, and 
(d) Discuss female extension agents’ threats. 
 

Methodology 
 
This research employed an instrumental case study design (Stake, 1995), which focuses on 
understanding a particular issue. In this context, it investigates the experiences of female health 
and nutrition extension workers in Guatemala’s Western Highlands. The case is “instrumental” 
because it is used to gain broader insights into the systemic challenges and opportunities faced 
by female extension agents in rural Guatemala. The case was bound by location (the Western 
Highlands) and participants' occupation (female health and nutrition extension agents). A 
constructivist paradigm guided the research, emphasizing the co-construction of meaning and 
the importance of participants’ subjective experiences (Creswell & Creswell, 2018). 
 
Before reaching out to the participants, the Texas Tech University Institutional Review Board 
approved this study with the code 2022-773, which qualified for exemption. To recruit 
participants, one of the researchers conducted a workshop addressing gender-focused issues in 
rural areas of Guatemala, attended by 25 female field technicians. From this group, 12 
participants were purposefully selected based on the following criteria:  (1) at least one year of 
experience working with rural women in the Western Highlands, (2) age 18 or older, and (3) 
residence in a rural community. 
 
Data Collection 
Semi-structured interviews were the primary source of data, which balanced structured inquiry 
with the flexibility to explore participants’ unique perspectives (Aurini et al., 2021). Interviews 
were conducted via Zoom and WhatsApp video calls (Archibald et al., 2019; Sah et al., 2020), 
recorded with consent, and transcribed using Sonix® software. To enhance depth and 
triangulation, interviews were supplemented with participatory and non-participatory 
observations, as well as analytical and methodological memoing throughout the research 
process (Lincoln & Guba, 1985; Saldaña, 2016). 
 
 

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Data Analysis 
The data analysis process was guided by the SWOT framework, aligning directly with the study’s 
objectives. The process began with preliminary data exploration, which involved repeated 
transcript readings and memo writing. An iterative coding process was used, beginning with 
open coding to identify meaningful units of data. These codes were then organized into 
categories corresponding to the four SWOT dimensions: strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, 
and threats. This method allowed for the identification of categories, subcategories, and 
dimensions relevant to the study (Saldaña, 2016). Pattern coding followed, grouping related 
codes into broader themes and providing insights that captured the relationships among data 
points (Morse & Richards, 2002). Two researchers independently coded the data, and 
discrepancies were resolved through discussion in three consensus meetings. 
 
Trustworthiness 
To ensure trustworthiness, the study followed the criteria of credibility, transferability, 
dependability, and confirmability (Creswell & Creswell, 2018). Credibility was supported 
through data triangulation, detailed descriptions, and reflexive memoing, using diverse sources 
like interviews and observations to enhance validity (Ary et al., 2010). Transferability was 
enhanced through purposive sampling and detailed context reporting, enabling readers to 
evaluate the relevance of findings to different settings (Cope, 2014). Dependability was ensured 
through process documentation, including transcripts and reflexive memoing. Confirmability 
was achieved through reflexivity, where researchers documented assumptions and reflected on 
biases; transcripts were reviewed repeatedly for accuracy and to limit preconceived notions 
(Lincoln & Guba, 1985). 
 
Researcher as Instrument 
The four investigators have lived and studied in Latin America and bring contextual knowledge 
of gender dynamics in rural development, gaining insight into the necessity of promoting 
inclusive practices in Extension. By directly engaging with participants and maintaining 
reflexivity, the researchers helped ensure that the findings were grounded in participants’ 
realities and interpreted with cultural sensitivity (Ary et al., 2010). 
 

Findings 
 
Objective 1: Identify Female Extension Agents’ Strengths 
Effective Communication  
Female extension agents highlighted their ability to communicate as a significant strength. 
Their capacity to engage with diverse communities has allowed them to form meaningful 
connections quickly, fostering trust and collaboration with rural populations. Eight participants 
emphasized the role of effective communication in successfully conveying valuable information 
and building lasting relationships. 
 
One participant mentioned: “One of my strengths as an extension worker is that it does not 
take much for me to talk with people, and generally, I make friends quickly.” This indicates that 

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her communication skills enable her to connect with people easily, which is crucial in extension 
work. This sentiment was echoed by other participants in quotes such as: “My way of 
addressing people, the trust I have had [...] for me is a strength,” and “I have always worked 
with groups of seniors [...] to gain people's trust.” Gaining trust and building rapport has 
contributed to their success in extension work. Another participant reinforced this by stating: 
“Being able to communicate, being able to say what we feel or listen to other people helps a 
lot.” 
 
In addition to the previous quotes, the ability to simplify and share complex information 
enhances the communication effectiveness of extension workers; as another participant 
mentioned: “Through the years and experience, I have also accomplished [...] to try to talk to 
people in a slightly simpler way.”  
 
Professional Vocation 
The extension workers take great pride in their sense of vocation, seeing it as a key factor in 
their ability to help others and succeed in their roles. Their commitment to their job extends 
beyond regular duties, emphasizing a deep dedication to making a difference in the 
communities they serve. Seven participants believe achieving positive outcomes in extension 
work would be difficult without this strong sense of purpose and responsibility. 
 
One of the participants shared: “I feel that my strengths are to be committed, responsible, and 
punctual,” emphasizing their personal commitment to the work. Another extension agent 
echoed this sentiment: “Responsibility. Humanism. Be a very tolerant person. Someone who 
knows [...], perhaps in terms of family care.” Punctuality and reliability were also repeatedly 
mentioned, as evidenced by the statement: “Be responsible. Make yourself known; for 
example, if I call at nine and arrive at 9:30 a.m., I am not making myself known (correctly) to the 
community as a responsible, punctual person." Being responsible and exceeding expectations 
were also fundamental to their work ethic, demonstrating a willingness to do more than what is 
required; this sense of duty drives them to overcome challenges, as highlighted by another 
participant: “For me, one of the strengths is that I like my job, and I feel that even though there 
are obstacles, I try to find a solution.” 
 
Emotional Awareness 
Emotional awareness and empathy with the community are crucial for how extension workers 
approach their work. Ten of the participants mentioned that they come from the same or 
similar backgrounds as the audience they work with, which enables them to connect on a 
deeper level. This shared experience fosters trust and motivates extension agents to help rural 
populations with dedication and compassion, especially in areas with limited support. 
One participant stated: “I have always been very kind to people [...] support that being very 
much like being aware of them,” demonstrating her empathetic approach to helping others. 
This quote highlights how persistence and understanding are crucial to fostering positive 
outcomes. 
 

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The ability to persevere, even when challenges arise, was mentioned by several participants. 
For example, one extension agent described the importance of turning a negative response into 
a positive outcome: “The other thing that has also happened is that there are many people who 
are also very negative […] So, sometimes they misinform people so that they do not participate 
in those activities, however, I managed to overcome those obstacles, and I did it with 
perseverance and hard work.” To navigate these perception barriers, one of the participants 
underscored the importance of perseverance, stating: "Perseverance is that when one is 
insisting or giving time for changes [...] making visits and so on, we do not stop giving up."  
In addition, emotional strength was also tied to the confidence they gained through experience, 
as one participant remarked: “Having the confidence to do things [...] no longer being afraid, 
but being able to relate properly to them, for me is a strength.” Respect in their interactions 
was also essential, as one participant mentioned: “You have to be humble, you have to be 
collaborative, and always open to new opinions because the community members really have 
some very good ideas,” which illustrates their commitment to positive, respectful engagement 
with the communities they serve.  
 
Objective 2: Describe Female Extension Agents’ Weaknesses 
Language Barriers 
Ten out of twelve participants reported that language differences between themselves and the 
women they serve hindered communication. Many rural communities in the Western Highlands 
speak only indigenous languages, while most extension agents speak Spanish. This linguistic gap 
creates an obstacle in delivering extension program information effectively. Extension agents 
suggested using an interpreter as an alternative to bridge this gap, but there were concerns 
that the essence of the message could be lost in translation. 
 
One participant explained: “The biggest problem we have is the language. Many women do not 
speak Spanish, and there are not enough translators for all languages,” highlighting the 
insufficient number of translators available for the many indigenous languages. Another 
participant shared: “Sometimes we need translators to communicate with women, but we 
worry that the message will not get through the way we want it to,” emphasizing the 
uncertainty of whether the message is fully conveyed through facilitators. 
 
Participants echoed this concern, pointing out that relying on facilitators might still not ensure 
complete understanding. One participant remarked: “The fact that we do not speak the 
language of the community complicates everything. Even if we use facilitators, we feel that the 
message is not conveyed in the same way,” while another participant added that as part of 
being an extension agent, she must adapt to the community needs she explained: “The 
challenge has been to understand and adapt to them because the work of extension is not to 
make people fit with us, but that we have to adapt to them so that they can work with us." This 
last statement underscores the essential adaptability required of extension agents in 
overcoming language and other barriers.  
 
 
 

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Difficulty Demonstrating Program Value 
Eight participants expressed that they sometimes struggle to effectively communicate the value 
of their programs, especially when they are unable to provide tangible resources. This was 
perceived as a weakness in their ability to engage and motivate community members. Since the 
program focuses on knowledge dissemination rather than providing tangible benefits, many 
participants in the community are hesitant to adopt the new techniques. The lack of material 
support, such as seeds or tools, has led to skepticism about the value of the information 
provided. 
 
As one participant mentioned: “People expect us to give them something, not just knowledge. 
They do not value information if it is not accompanied by a tangible benefit,” reflecting the 
difficulty in conveying the long-term benefits of knowledge alone. Another agent added: “The 
program does not provide inputs or direct aid, only information, and that is not what people 
want. For this reason, many are not interested,” underscoring the community’s reluctance to 
engage without material incentives. 
 
Extension agents also identified a limited ability to persuade or inspire participation in their 
communities as a weakness in their communication or facilitation skills. One participant stated: 
“One challenge is to form the group and achieve attendance [..] where one has to struggle to 
achieve participation, and the other challenge is that they [community participants] will 
replicate what you teach them to achieve changes for their family.” This highlights the difficulty 
in fostering engagement when community members hesitate to participate due to 
preconceived notions or distrust. They emphasized that building trust with community 
members is crucial for overcoming these barriers, as mentioned by one of the extension agents: 
“At first, when people do not know you well, they just attend. However, when you gain their 
trust, the sessions become more effective.” This suggests that addressing the perception 
barriers is essential to enhance participation and ensure that shared information can lead to 
meaningful changes in the community. 
 
The commitment to ongoing engagement is vital for reshaping community perceptions. They 
acknowledged the necessity for strategic approaches, as it was suggested by one of the 
participants: “If you do not have an answer, you must look for strategies. For example, sharing 
testimonies from other people and the changes they have achieved." By sharing success stories 
from other communities, they aim to illustrate the value of their program and counteract 
skepticism, ultimately fostering a more receptive environment for knowledge dissemination. 
 
Objective 3: Explain Female Extension Agents’ Opportunities 
Expanding the Network 
The extension workers meet diverse groups of people in various locations, allowing them to 
expand their networks and appreciation of cultural diversity in their regions, traveling 
throughout rural areas of Guatemala, and learning about new places. This opportunity was 
highly mentioned, and it was a motivation for most of the participants. One of the participants 
mentioned: “I feel very excited in my job because I go to different places, experience a shift of 
environments, and meet new people,” stating that female extension agents are motivated to 

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visit new places and know new people, other participants confirmed it when they said: “I have 
visited many places and learned about their traditions and cultures,” and “I have known many 
places where I have never been, so this job allowed me to meet people and do networking.” 
The opportunity to travel to different places has extended their knowledge capacity regarding 
cultural diversity, environmental landscapes, and people connections. Female extension 
workers find rewards from their jobs when they experience these indirect benefits.   
Other evidence that witnessed previous statements are the following responses from the 
extension agents interviews: “I like to spend time with people in different communities; this has 
helped me learn from them and value what I have,” and “I feel motivated to know new places 
and learn from the people, because every day we learn something different,” these quotations 
highlighted how importance these type of opportunities are in the job in order to feel 
motivated. 
 
Professional Growth 
All participants said they attend monthly workshops to improve their work. They also 
emphasized that the institution where they work allows them to pursue new careers and 
interact with colleagues from other programs, which helps to extend relations and exchange 
ideas. 
 
Extension workers referred to professional development opportunities that help them to grow 
in their work; one participant mentioned: “We have opportunities to participate in technical 
training […] and attend meetings to listen about experiences from other people,” another 
participant mentioned: “Since I am in this job, I have grown a lot […] I am studying a new 
college career.” These statements prove that extension workers accomplish their tasks in their 
jobs and are in constant preparation through training, pursuing new professional careers, and 
learning from other people's experiences.  
 
Objective 4: Discuss Female Extension Agents’ Threats  
Gender Inequality 
This theme encompasses the limitation of women's participation in development and training 
activities in certain rural communities in Guatemala. Women often face barriers imposed by 
their husbands, hindering their personal growth and community involvement. Many women 
internalize these restrictions and often choose not to participate to avoid conflict with their 
husbands. One of the extension agents said: 

The machismo is a very remarkable problem; I have been in communities where women 
do not have the opportunity to participate, they do not have a space of learning or the 
chance to receive support from us […] women usually say ‘my husband does not allow 
me to go to meetings or training because he thinks that I am going to talk about him, so 
I prefer do not go to avoid problems.’ 
 

Gender inequality is a serious problem that needs to be addressed in rural communities, 
especially for extension agents who are working with families that are facing this kind of threat. 
It is important to recognize the problem and try to find ways to deal with it or find resources 
that help to address this issue adequately.  Another participant stated: “Because in our culture, 

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there is too much machismo, and women think that they do not have rights (…) so, our job as 
extension agents is to provoke a change, letting women know what their rights are,” echoed by 
another extension agent comment: “There are men that do not allow their wives to participate 
in our programs.” These quotes are evidence of the machismo problem and how this could 
affect the implementation of extension programs.  
 
Political and Financial Issues  
This theme covers the impact of political instability on the continuity of projects and 
employment contracts. Political changes in Guatemala can affect the execution of projects, 
causing the cancellation of contracts and the impossibility of completing established objectives.  
One of the participants mentioned: “They took away our contract because at that time there 
was a political problem in Guatemala […] so we could only deliver three products of the four,” 
other participants said: “One difficulty could also be that sometimes I would like people to 
change, but there are also economic situations that prevent them from making many changes.” 
These difficulties prevent the implementation of desired changes, even when agents wish to 
support and promote these changes but feel limited by a lack of resources. In addition, 
complications in accessing the communities were identified as a threat to the extension agents 
in delivering their programs; one participant mentioned: “Sometimes there have been 
difficulties in reaching the communities because of the rains, the roads are in poor condition.” 
 
Community Resistance 
Eight out of twelve extension agents expressed fear of rejection by communities and local 
leaders when participating in extension programs. Agents experience frequent difficulties when 
trying to involve people in projects, and they find resistance to participating in their activities. 
The main reasons for this are the presence of skepticism and the fact that community members 
are looking for tangible benefits, not only educational training.  
 
One of the participants stated: “I feel that it is the rejection of people because we are looking 
for the acceptance of people […] and in several circumstances, we have been told no from 
them.” Some participants hesitated to be part of the program because the extension agents 
aim to change behaviors and cannot provide tangible benefits for households, which could 
cause negativity during implementation.  Another extension agent echoed this statement by 
mentioning: “There are women who don’t want to participate directly in the meetings, so it’s 
our responsibility to make individual visits. Unless they shut the door on us and say -Look, I 
don’t want to talk anymore, I don’t want you to bother me-.” 
 

Conclusions, Discussion, and Recommendations  
 
Female extension agents excel in simplifying technical information, making it accessible to 
diverse audiences. This tailored communication fosters trust and rapport with rural 
communities, enabling agents to engage populations and encourage sustainable behavioral 
changes. Castillo et al. (2024) similarly highlighted that effective communication is developed 
over time and employs diverse methods, such as producer meetings and Farmer Field Schools, 

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to disseminate information. The dedication of extension agents demonstrates their 
commitment to improving rural lives. Beyond routine responsibilities, their intrinsic motivation 
drives them to overcome challenges and sustain community engagement. Fanzo et al. (2015) 
also reported that efforts go beyond just a typical job, as extension agents often invest personal 
resources to support program needs, such as purchasing training materials.  
 
The language barriers reported by extension agents reflect a key professional weakness in 
multilingual regions, where limited proficiency in indigenous languages hinders effective 
communication and program delivery. The lack of adequate translation resources and training 
hinders agents' ability to reach community members effectively. Another critical weakness lies 
in the difficulty of demonstrating program value due to the misalignment between community 
expectations and program goals. Many participants anticipate tangible benefits and may 
undervalue knowledge-based initiatives. Opportunities for extension agents include expanding 
their networking and engaging with diverse communities across rural sectors. This exposure 
increases their professional experience and understanding of local needs and challenges. 
Threats include gender inequality, which restricts women's participation in development 
activities. Political changes can disrupt project continuity, reduce funding, and sometimes result 
in contract cancellation. These issues threaten extension program implementations.  
 
Extension programs should invest in ongoing professional development opportunities for 
female extension agents, specifically those promoting the exchange of viewpoints among 
colleagues (Landini & Villafuerte-Almeida, 2022). Training in communication, cultural 
competency, and trust-building can enhance their already existing capabilities. Providing agents 
with practical resources can empower them to maximize their outcomes. To address female 
extension agents' language barriers, programs should prioritize multilingual training to help 
agents develop basic proficiency in local indigenous languages. Access to professional 
translation tools and on-demand translators can ensure accurate and culturally authentic 
communication. Additionally, incorporating visual aids, such as videos, should be extended, as it 
has been shown to improve people's understanding and increase the adoption rate of new 
techniques (Fanzo et al., 2015). 
 
Addressing the misalignment between community expectations and program goals requires 
improved communication strategies, including success stories to illustrate long-term program 
benefits. Involving community leaders can also help build trust and align expectations. 
Programs such as the Gender-Sensitivity Training Module on Value Chains for Extensionists in 
Guatemala (Smith, 2018) offer valuable insights into addressing these challenges effectively. 
Extension institutions should implement consistent and well-structured training and evaluation 
programs to ensure extension agents continuously develop their skills and knowledge (Akinbile 
& Otitolaye, 2008). Efforts to empower women through different educational programs should 
be implemented to combat male dominance in households. 
 
 
 

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Acknowledgments 
 
Funding Information: The research was self-funded. 
 
Conflict of interest: There are no conflicts of interest. 
 
Previous Dissemination: Information from this article was previously presented in the 2025 
Southern Region American Association for Agricultural Education Conference as an Oral 
Presentation (https://aaaeonline.org/page-18465) and in the 2025 Association for International 
Agricultural and Extension Education Conference as a Poster Presentation 
(https://aiaee.org/page-18234).  
 
Artificial Intelligence: Grammarly and Microsoft 365 Copilot were used as an AI tool to assist 
with language refinement and grammar correction during manuscript preparation. 
 
Author Contribution Statement: R. Ceme – conceptualization, data collection, coding, formal 
analysis, writing-original draft, and editing; S. Galindo – supervision, formal analysis, writing-
review and editing; J. Molina – writing-review and editing; P. Lamino – conceptualization, 
supervision, data collection, coding, formal analysis, writing-review and editing. 
 

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