Do Agricultural Leadership Programs Produce Community Leaders? A Case Study Of The Impact Of An Agricultural Leadership Program On Participants' Community Involvement

Agricultural leadership program efficacy has been determined by a number of studies; however, most have not reported on the impacts that participants have had on actual community leadership. The study determined the extent to which participants in a two-year agricultural leadership program became community leaders and contributed to rural community development processes (RCD). Participants in the study were graduates of the program from 1982 to 2001 (N=290). Surveys administered to the population and face-to-face interviews with eight purposefully selected subjects were used to collect data. In spite of the survey findings of selfreported changes in knowledge and behavior, qualitative findings revealed that participants were aware of the importance of RCD, but they were not serving in leadership positions and were taking a minimal role to improve their communities. Recommendations include incorporating a practicum into the program that teaches needs assessment, project development, and change agent skills so that participants have the knowledge and skills to serve as effective community leaders.