A STUDY OF WORK ENVIRONMENT AND COMPETENCIES NECESSARY FOR AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION IN EGYPT USING DELPHI TECHNIQUE دراسة لبیئة وقدرات العمل اللازمة للإرشاد الزراعی فی مصر بإستخدام أسلوب دلفی

Abstract

This study aimed to: determine the issues in extension, as identified by central level extension employees that are related to the attraction and motivation of extension staff within the next ten years, and identify the competencies entry–level extension staff will need within the next ten years from the viewpoint of central level extension employees. Questionnaire forms were used for data collection through three rounds of Delphi technique. All three rounds were performed in 2013; Round 1 was conducted during January & February, round 2 in May, and round 3 in September. 98, 81 and 75 employees are responded to round one, two and three respectively. The most important fifteen extension work environment issues (financial, technological, psychological, and managerial environment) needed to attracting and motivating extension staff were identified as well as thirteen work competencies (extension program development, interpersonal skills, technicality, educational, and homogeneity competencies) needed in entry–level extension staff were identified.