An analysis of the effect of agricultural extension methods on the utilization of agricultural supports: The case of Erzurum Province in Turkey

Abstract

To determine the effect of agricultural extension methods on the utilization of agricultural supports, a survey was conducted with 169 farmers in 7 counties, which were considered to represent Erzurum Province in terms of social, economic and cultural aspects. The survey data was analyzed in LIMPED software by using “crosstab” method and Logistic regression analysis. According to the results of the analysis, farmer age and education level were determined to have an effect on the utilization of agricultural supports. In addition, it was also found that extension methods had a positive effect on the utilization of supports and that the utilization of mass and individual extension methods was statistically significant. According to these results, effective use of local mass media means at announcement and introduction stage of supports to farmers was highly important. In addition, some arrangements are needed to get maximum benefit from individual extension methods for raising awareness in farmers so that they can utilize the supports to ensure the sustainability of production. Key words: Agricultural support, mass extension method, group extension method, individual extension method, Erzurum.