Challenges of Leadership in Transforming Farmers Training Center Services in South Nation Nationalities and Peoples Region, South Omo Zone, North Aari Woreda, Ethiopia

The Farmers' Training Center (FTC) service in North Aari woreda faces hindrances due to ineffective leadership. Effective leaders are crucial for offering guidance and proficiently coordinating human resources and materials to align with organizational goals, resulting in heightened productivity. This study centers on assessing leadership challenges that obstructing the transformation of FTC services in North Aari Woreda. Both quantitative and qualitative methods are used in this study, which employs a descriptive research design. The quantitative segment involves 92 respondents selected through stratified simple random sampling, while qualitative insights stem from 12 purposively chosen leaders and SMSs (Subject Matter Specialists), gathered through interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs). Quantitative data undergo descriptive analysis using SPSS software (version 23). The findings reveal significant hurdles to leadership in the context of FTC service transformation. Challenges such as insufficient capacity building, the incongruity between leaders' actions and words, and an inability to manage follower perceptions emerge as pivotal constraints to the successful evolution of FTC services in the North Aari community. Nevertheless, potential avenues for improvement include the presence of Agricultural Development Agents (DAs), supportive local leaders, and the provision of free extension services for farmers. Based on the study's outcomes, several recommendations are put forth. Urgent and prolonged capacity‐building efforts are suggested, alongside the imperative to shift leaders', DAs', and farmers' mindsets. It is also advised to allocate budgets for FTC sustainability and to reinforce agricultural extension networks between FTCs, research centers, and farmers.