Typically the DEO was a male senior officer with
more than ten years administrative experience in several
districts. Their salary was equivalent to that of the
District Commissioner, thus underlining the importance
of the DEO position. Most held university
degrees in one of the social sciences (history, geography,
sociology, government administration, economics,
and education). A few had science degrees
(chemistry). By virtue of having served as District
Officers in up to six districts each, they tended to have
strong skills in working with people in rural areas
and were effective in dealing with issues involving
different interest groups.