Challenges and Constraints Facing the Agricultural Extension System in Egypt

Abstract

Purpose: The research aimed to identify the important problems facing the agricultural extension system in Egypt. Research Method: A simple random sample was selected from the extension workers in Fayoum and Beheira governorates (196 respondents) Data collection was done from October 2020 to February 2021, using a questionnaire designed based on the framework of modernization and development of agricultural extension systems developed by FAO. Findings: The results indicated that the extension organization in Egypt suffers from aging and erosion (62.2% of the surveyed agricultural extension workers are over 46 years old), 58.7% of the surveyed Extension workers were not specialized in agricultural extension. the extension workers were not sufficiently satisfied with their work. As for the important problems facing extension work in Egypt, foremost of which was the problem centralization, lack of authority delegation, absence of institutional work, absence of funding sources, weakness of the operational budget, weakness of the academic programs before service, absence of adequate training opportunities, absence of a clear and integrative mechanism to link agricultural extension with scientific research institutions, in addition to the absence of coordination with colleges of agriculture and veterinary medicine, mass media, NGOs, and private sector could be identified. Research Limitation: This study was based on a small sample in two governorates. Therefore, policymakers should be careful to generalize the findings to a broad context. Originality/ Value: This study dealt with extension problems within the framework of modernization and development of agricultural extension systems developed by FAO, to provide officials with a vision of the most important problems and reform priorities.