Barcoding pest species in a biodiversity hot-spot: the South African polyphagous broad-nosed weevils (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Entiminae)

This research aimed to identify the requirements of using information and communication technology in agricultural extension work in Asyut Governorate, and the degree of the impact of these requirements on agricultural extension work in the research area. This research was conducted on the majority all the employees of the agricultural extension agency in the governorate of Assiut, whose number at the time of conducting the research was 135 extension workers, Data were collected through personal interviews by a questionnaire was A prepared to that specially, Frequencies, Percentages, the mean, were used for data presentation and analysis SPSS program. The results could summarize as follows: The results showed that the majority of the respondents (85,0% of them) are aged 50 years or over, and the majority (74,1% of them) are of rural origin, although 74,8% of them don't possess agricultural holdings, and 69,6% of them have a diploma in agriculture, and the majority of them (85.1%) were working in agricultural field for 20 years or more, while 45.2% of them have been working in agricultural extension for 20 years or more, Most of them (77.0% of them) didn't receive training courses in the field of information and communication technology, so the majority of them (91.1% of them) had low benefit from training in this field, and 40.7% of them don't own computers (at home or work), and the majority of respondents (99.3% of them) have a mobile phone, and 48.1% of them have internet (wired, or wireless Wi-Fi) at home, while 47.7% of them don't have internet (wired, or wireless Wi-Fi). 2-. The majority of respondents agreed to the proposed items as requirements for the use of information and communication technology in agricultural extension work, which numbered 24 items with rates ranging between (94.8% - 89.6%) to develop the infrastructure requirements necessary for the use of information and communication technology in agricultural extension work , (97.0% - 92.6%) the requirements for training and qualification of the agricultural extension work environment (workers in the agricultural extension apparatus, and farmers) to suit the use of information and communication technology in agricultural extension work, and (96.3% - 91.1%) To develop a national strategy for the use of information and communication technology in extension work agricultural. The most important requirements for the use of information and communication technology in agricultural extension work were the importance and impact of agricultural extension work from the viewpoint of the respondents, arranged as follows: requirements for the development of a national strategy for the use of information and communication technology in agricultural extension work with an average from 75% to 55%, followed by requirements for training and rehabilitation of the environment agricultural extension work (workers, farmers) to fit the use of information and communication technology in agricultural extension work with an average from 69% to 35%, and ranked last in the requirements for developing the infrastructure needed to use information and communication technology in agricultural extension work, with an average from 67% to 20%.

The objectives of this research are to find out: the agricultural extension w orkers’ performance level in implementing Panca Usaha Tani ( Five Principles of Agricultural Modernization Package) , the level of corn farming advancement , and the correlation between Agricultural Extension Workers’ performance and the implementation of Panca Usaha Tani in corn farming, and the level of corn farming advancement i n Ketapang sub district of South Lampung R egency . The research data was coollected from September to October 201 2 . Respondents in this research were 10 Agricultural Extension Workers and 30 farmer groups that were selected purposely. The research applied a survey method and the data was analyzed by descriptive analysis and Rank Spearman’s correlation. The results showed that the A gricultural E xtension Workers’ performance leve l in implementing Panca Usaha Tani in corn farming was high. A gricultural E xtension Workers’ performance including agricultural issues identification, work plan preparation, corn farmer groups fostering, knowledge and agricultural technology transfer were also high, yet, the cooperation of Agricultural Extension Workers with related agencies was fair. T he level of corn farming advancement in Ketapang Sub district, South Lampung Regency was high. The indicators including income, productivity, and the use of modern input were also high overall. ) There was significant correlation between Agricultural Extension Workers’ performance with the implementation of Panca Usaha Tani in corn farming, but there was no correlation between Agricultural Extension Workers’ performance with the advancement of corn farming and the implementation of Panca Usaha Tani in corn farming with the advancement of corn farming. Key words: advancement of corn farming, agricultural extension workers, panca usaha tani

One of the important factors that contribute to agricultural development is information. As such agricultural extension workers that link agricultural agencies to the farmers must have adequate and up-to-date information about agricultural practices before they could inform, educate and train the farmers in method and techniques of farming. This study aims to determine the types of information needed by agricultural extension workers; to determine the sources of information used by the agricultural extension workers; and to determine the comparison between types of information with information sources used by agricultural extension workers. The present study was a descriptive study using a survey design and conducted at Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta (DIY) Province. The populations of the study consists 181 agricultural extension workers divisible in the district level, namely Sleman, Kulon Progo, Gunung Kidul dan Bantul. Sampling procedure in this study used cluster sampling. The method for gathering data from the respondents is based on a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics was to describe the characteristics of the respondents and the dependent variables of the study. As a result, most of agricultural extension workers strongly needed the innovation information in seeking information followed by extension service information and extension role information. The result of information sources used by agricultural extension worker for extension service information, innovation information and extension role information indicates that agricultural extension workers used interpersonal source. Most of them never sought information use Internet, they use radio more frequently than television and video, agricultural extension worker also used mass media as information source.

The aim of this research to study the role of modern communication technologies in improving agricultural extension work in middle Iraqi governorates by providing infrastructure to use modern communication technologies in Agricultural extension work , support agricultural extension system to transform agricultural work to electronic government , electronic management of human resources , extension services introduced for the targeted people through internet and the contribution of modern communication technologies in improving agricultural work .The population of the research includes the middle region governorates numbered (8) governorates .Anbar and Tikret were excluded because of the security conditions in the time of data collection .Thus, the research society becomes (6) governorates .A random sample was taken from the governorates (67%) rate from (4) governorates ( Baghdad, Karbala , Babel , Dyala) .A random sample was taken in rate (40%) from agricultural extension agents distributed on the above mentioned governorates who numbered ( 135) out of (335) agricultural extension agents . In order to achieve the research objectives a questionnaire form designed to collect the data from agricultural extension agents .It includes (49) items in the field of modern communication technologies role .To analyses and introduce the results (SPSS) program used as well as the manual analyses .The following statistical methods were used : the frequencies , percentages , weighted average , weight percentage as well as (SPSS) program to measure Cronbach Coefficient .The results showed that if these technologies are available sufficiently it would lead to achieve the objectives .Also, the modern communication technologies are considered the widely applied methods in agricultural extension work .Also, there is agreement by the agricultural extension agents on the necessity of using modern communication technologies to develop agricultural extension work .Also, there is support from the agricultural extension system to transform agricultural extension work from traditional work to electronic government . This research concludes the necessity of providing modern technologies in all extension directories , centers , offices and farms in order to improve agriculture extension work in Iraq .Also, it recommends to establish wide information base related to extension work .Also, it recommends to invoke extension management to support the plans to modernize the communications methods that are used in extension work which fulfill the treatment of the huge amounts of available information for the agricultural extension product as well as making the necessary plans to rehabilitate and train the workers in the agricultural extension system to transform the traditional extension work to electronic government .

The study aims to attitudes of agricultural extension workers towards the concept of artificial intelligence technologies in some Iraqi provinces, and to determine the significance of the relationship between Agricultural Extension Workers’ Attitudes Towards the Concept of Artificial Intelligence Technologies in Some Iraqi Provinces and each of the following independent factors (age, gender, and length of service). The research simple included agricultural extension workers in some Iraqi governorates, namely: (Baghdad, Diyala, Babylon, Salah al-Din, Anbar), and their number reached (370) employees and were officially registered. A simple random sample was drawn at a rate of (40%) of the total number of employees from those governorates, thus the total sample size for the study reached (148) respondents. The questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. The questionnaire consisted of (24) paragraphs, with two areas: the first was the adoption of (AI) technology, and the second was the concept of (AI) technology. The three-point Likert scale was used, and the scale value ranged from (24-72) degrees. To ensure stability, a survey sample was chosen from the research community outside the sample, and their number reached (30). The Cronbach’s alpha equation was used, and its value reached (0.899). The data was collected by personal interview in End of August 2025. The SPSS program was used to analyze the data, using some statistical methods. The research results showed that agricultural extension workers’ attitudes toward the concept of (AI) technology in some Iraqi governorates were negative. This indicates the weakness of data and information on (AI) technology, as well as the lack of infrastructure for this technology, the scarcity of specialists, and the lack of trust among agricultural extension workers in (AI) technology. The research recommended the need to increase trust in human-machine collaboration to contribute to raising the efficiency of agricultural extension workers. She also recommended the need to encourage agricultural extension workers to use modern technology through artificial intelligence, given their lack of confidence in it.

Purpose To determine the nutrition competency level and training needs of agricultural extension workers (AEWs) in Uganda. Design/Methodology/Approach A cross-sectional survey was conducted in four districts with 61 private and 163 public AEWs. Data were collected using self-administered structured questionnaires and analysed using means, Chi-square and Mean Weighted Discrepancy Score. Findings AEWs require 9 core competence domains: Basic nutrition; Nutrition needs of household members; Hygiene and sanitation; Post-harvest handling; Planning and resource allocation among others. AEWs were above average competence in most (8) competency domains. Private AEWs perceived themselves to be more competent (( = 4.26) than the public AEWs (), χ2 (224) = 20.1182, p = < 0.01). Prioritized needs by public and private AEWs were; Understanding nutrition needs of different household members, Farming systems that promote nutrition and Postharvest handling and food safety. Practical Implications Pre-service and in-service training of AEWs should focus on the identified core competence domains and the priority training needs respectively, depending on the organization contexts. Theoretical Implications This study demonstrates that the competency profile of AEWs should include community based nutrition education. Situations where private AEWs have higher capacity than their public sector counterparts, present an opportunity for cross-learning. Originality/Value Community based nutrition education has been traditionally the mandate of health sector ministries, and the capacity requirements of AEWs who are not nutrition experts has been contested. This study provides empirical evidence regarding nutrition education competence needs of AEWs to enable them ably complement other sectors in multi-sectoral nutrition policy contexts.

Increasing knowledge of farming is essential in increasing goat production in the rural areas of Banjarnegara Regency. Increased knowledge come from many sources, such as extension and non-extension services (other farmers, books, and other government officials). Systematic efforts continue to increase agricultural extension workers' role in providing information and knowledge to goat farmers. This study aims to identify farmers' preference for the agricultural extension as a source of knowledge and analyze the factors that influence the selection of sources of information and knowledge. One hundred sixty goat farmers in Banjarnegara Regency were selected as respondents using a multistage sampling method. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. The analysis results showed that most of the goat farmers in Banjarnegara Regency (74.37 percent) preferred obtaining knowledge from non-extension sources. In other words, only a small proportion of goat farmers (25.63 percent) prefer to get information and knowledge from agricultural extension workers. Based on the logistic regression analysis, it was found that goat farmers' education and age of farmers were essential factors (P&lt;0.05) in making decisions related to source in obtaining knowledge on raising goats from the agricultural extension or non-agricultural extension workers. Goat farmers in Banjarnegara Regency who have lower education prefer to get information related to goat farming from non-agricultural extension workers. Meanwhile, younger goat farmers tend to get information from non-agricultural extension workers. Therefore, agricultural extension workers have a more strategic role for goat farmers who have higher education and are more mature with adequate goat farming knowledge.

Agricultural extension workers play a crucial role in developing farmer groups in Tanjung Riu Village, Kurun District, Gunung Mas Regency. This study aims to understand how agricultural extension workers contribute to the advancement of farmer groups in the area. The research method used is qualitative by conducting in-depth interviews with agricultural extension workers and farmer group members. The results of the study indicate that the participation of farmers in extension activities is still low, the facilities and infrastructure for extension workers are insufficient, and the application of extension materials is inadequate. Therefore, the role of agricultural extension workers is not yet significant in various aspects of the development of farmer groups. Agricultural extension workers not only provide technical guidance on better farming practices but also facilitate training, mobilize resources, and assist in accessing government programs and donor agencies. They also act as a link between farmer groups and markets, promoting collective marketing and raising awareness of the importance of agricultural diversification. Hence, agricultural extension workers hold a crucial role in the development of farmer groups in Tanjung Riu Village, contributing to increased agricultural production, strengthening local economic sustainability, and helping build the capacity and independence of farmers in facing modern challenges. In this context, the strengthening of roles and support for agricultural extension workers is expected to be further enhanced to support the growth and sustainability of the agricultural sector in rural areas

This study was conducted to identify the contributing perceptions of Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) regarding off-the-job training and on-the-job training (OJT) for developing their extension skills. Data on AEWs’ skill levels on selected four extension skill areas, their perceptions of Off-JT and OJT were collected from 90 AEWs using structured questionnaires. AEWs’ skill levels on four extension skill areas ranged from 36 to 86. AEWs’ perceptions of Off-JT did not significantly differ between AEWs with less than average skill levels and AEWs with higher than average skill levels. However, AEWs’ perceptions of OJT significantly differed between the two groups of AEWs. Perception of practical steps of OJT was important contributing factor to AEWs’ skill on work planning. Besides, perceptions of merits of OJT were important contributing factors to AEWs’ skills on working with group, organizing demonstration, assessing farmers’ problems, and work planning.

The potency for developing cyber extension should be utilized by agricultural extension worker in order to enrich extension material. However. It seems that the development of cyber extension was experiencing various obstacles. Based on that condition, this study aims to analyze the factors influencing the performance of cyber extension in utilizing cyber extension. The types of data used in this study were primary and secondary data. Primary data was obtained by conducting interviews with respondents. 87 respondents were determined purposively. Secondary data was obtained from documents on extension activites in Malang Raya Region. Path analysis was used in this study to answer the research objectives. Most respondents are still classified young, have a relative high education level and have a work period of less than 12 years. The result showed cyber extension socialization, personal interaction and perception of agricultural extension worker factors significantly influenced agricultural extension worker behavior. Meanwhile, factors of cyber extension socialization, perception the of agricultural extension worker and the behavior of agricultural extension worker significantly influenced the performance of agricultural extension worker in utilizing cyber extension. Only socialization and the perception of agricultural extension worker had both direct and indirect influences, where the socialization factor was the only factor with the greatest total influence value on the performance of agricultural extension worker in utilizing cyber extension. The performance of agricultural extension worker in utilizing cyber extension needed to be improved, one of which was through socialization. Socialization effort was carried out in order to increase understanding of cyber extension usefulness to agricultural extension worker. In addition, to stimulate the use of cyber extension, it was necessary to provide incentives to agricultural extension workers who utilize cyber extension.

The objective of this study was to ascertain the performance of agricultural extension workers and the utilization of internet media by agricultural extension workers in Kendari City, as well as the relationship between the two. The population of this study comprised 63 agricultural extension workers in Kendari City. The sample was determined using the saturated sampling method, also known as census, which entailed the inclusion of the entire population. The data were collected using a variety of methods, including observation, a review of the literature, documentation, and interviews guided by questionnaires. The research variables are the performance of agricultural extension workers and the level of utilization of the internet by said extension workers. The collected data is then subjected to quantitative analysis. The quantitative analysis process was executed by employing the class interval formula and the Work Achievement Value (NPK) formula. Subsequently, a comprehensive analysis was conducted using Spearman's Ranks Correlation analysis, facilitated by SPSS version 22.0 software. The results indicated that the performance of agricultural extension workers in Kendari City was predominantly in the medium or good category, as evidenced by the mean value of the Work Achievement Score (NPK), which was recorded at 84.66. Consequently, agricultural extension workers have effectively implemented the three extension indicators, particularly in the preparation and evaluation stages, as outlined in the Minister of Agriculture Regulation Number 91/Permentan/OT.140/9-2013. The utilization of internet media by agricultural extension workers is classified in the moderate category. This classification is evidenced by the following activities: the compilation of reports, the creation of materials, the development of extension programs, and the design of extension methods. It is evident that extension workers continue to underutilize internet media in their efforts to effectively prepare and execute agricultural extension activities. The findings of the investigation into the correlation between internet utilization and the performance of agricultural extension workers revealed an insignificant relationship, as evidenced by a Spearman correlation coefficient value of 0.053 and a sig value of 0.682. This result suggests that, despite the presence of an indication of a positive correlation, the utilization of the internet has not led to a substantial enhancement in the performance of agricultural extension workers in Kendari City.

Social competence is essential for agricultural extension worker since it is directly related to their duties to interact with farmers. This article discusses the extension to which Open and Distance Learning (ODL) can improve the social competence and its aspects, the dominant factors affecting social competence, and strategy for the development of social competence of extension workers. Designed as an explanatory research, the entire population of agricultural extension workers (n=111) who were graduated from ODL in four different locations (Serang, Karawang, Cirebon, and Tanggamus areas) were used as respondents. A survey technique was implemented among them. In depth interview was also conducted to elaborate the findings. Data was analyzed by using descriptive and regression analysis. The findings indicated that: (1) agricultural extension workers had a moderate level in their social competence. Their knowledge on social concept was relatively good but still having problems in implementing it; (2) learning facilities, training, and subject matter coverage were factors significantly affecting social competence. The most dominant factor was held by the subject matter coverage; and (4) strategies that can be formulated to improve social competence were improving their level of knowledge and skills in terms of social matters. These can be focused on improving the learning quality, mainly on subject matter development. From the findings, it can be concluded that ODL as an educational institution can be addressed by agricultural extension workers to improve their social competence. As an implication, ODL institution need to support the students by giving a better subject matter coverage, while Agricultural Department need to support the learning quality of agricultural extension workers by giving learning motivation and learning facilities.

This study aimed to identify the importance of using solar energy in achieving sustainable agricultural development according to perspective of agricultural extension workers in Ninawa Governorate, across the economic, agricultural, and environmental sectors. The research areas were arranged in descending order according to the average responses of the respondents. The study also determined the correlation between the importance of using solar energy in achieving sustainable agricultural development and some independent variables (age, educational qualifications, period of service, experience, training, and information sources). To achieve the research objectives, a questionnaire was distributed to agricultural extension workers in the Ninawa Agriculture Directorate and its affiliated agricultural divisions. A simple random sampling method was used to select the research sample, the total number of workers in the research community to (313). After excluding (30) employees from the total research community who were included in the stability sample for the research scale, a simple random sample of (60%) was taken, bringing the total number of workers in the research sample to (188). The data were analyzed using the SPSS program. Using statistical methods such as range, class length, frequency, percentage, arithmetic mean, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and Spearman's rank correlation equation, The results showed that agricultural extension workers' opinions regarding the importance of using solar energy in achieving sustainable agricultural development in the economic and agricultural fields were moderately upward, while their opinions regarding the environmental field were moderately downward. The research results also showed that the correlations between agricultural extension workers' opinions regarding the importance of solar energy and the variables (age, educational qualifications, length of service, experience, and training) were insignificant. However, the correlations were significant with the variable of level of contact with information sources. The research concluded with several recommendations, the most important of which is the need to raise environmental awareness among workers about the importance of using solar energy and its role in achieving sustainable agricultural development. It is also necessary for workers to maintain close contact with various sources of information about solar energy technologies and their use in agriculture.

This study determined the profile of agricultural extension workers in the municipalities of San Jose, Magsaysay, Rizal, and Calintaan (SAMARICA), Occidental Mindoro; their technology transfer modalities utilized in extending organic agriculture; problems encountered in the technology transfer; and the relationship between the profile of the agricultural extension workers and the technology transfer modalities utilized in organic agriculture. The respondents of the study were the 42 front line agricultural extension workers in the Local Government Unit. They were selected using simple random sampling. Mean and the Pearson Moment Correlation were used in data analysis. Result shows the agricultural extension workers in SAMARICA Area, Occidental Mindoro have an average age of 48.76 years, with long extension experience of 18.14 years, and had earned a college degree related to agriculture. They “always” introduce new technologies and practices on organic agriculture with the farmers through individual farm/ home visits, farmers’ groups meetings, and use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)). The agriculture extension delivery system in SAMARICA Area, Occidental Mindoro is facing challenges in implementing organic agriculture initiatives in the municipal level. Furthermore, agriculture extension workers’ age is significantly related to the technology transfer modalities utilized in organic agriculture Key words : extension workers, extension modalities, knowledge transfer, organic agriculture

The performance of agricultural extension workers is the level of work success achieved by agricultural extension workers which is an important aspect that plays a role in work success and goal achievement. Performance is measured based on the abilities possessed by an individual in the form of cognitive, affective and psychomotor aspects. The numbers of agricultural extension workers in the Sampara subdistrict under the supervision of the Agricultural Extension Center (BPP) of Sampara District are 17 agricultural extension workers. The condition of agricultural extension workers in the Agricultural Extension Center varies in ages, education level and working experiences. The purpose of this study was to analyze the level of performance of field agricultural extension workers (PPL) and to analyze the relationship between the characteristics of extension workers and the performance of field agricultural extension workers (PPL) in Sampara Sub district, Konawe Regency. The study employed scoring method using likert scale meanwhile measurement correlation between the characteristics of extension workers and the performance of Agricultural Extension workers through non-parametric analysis of Spearman's rank correlation test. The results of the study showed that the performance of field agricultural extension officers was in a fairly good category while the education level factors had a significant or strong relationship as shown by the Rs coefficient with value of 0.721.