DEVELOPMENT EXTENSION SERVICE TO MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF BUFFALO BREEDERS IN IRAQ

Al-Taiy & Et Al

doi:10.36103/ijas.v51i1.942

Abstract

The aim of this research is to development the effectiveness of extension service to meeting the requirements of buffalo breeders in Iraq. The research was concluded in four fields: the first field: Development and adopting an appropriate orientation. It included four axes: Diversifying sources of extension services, comprehensiveness, decentralization, modernization of the work method. Second Field: Organizational Development. It included two axes: strengthening specialized organization (formation of specialized guidance units), capacity development. Third Field: Service Feasibility Development. It includes five axes: service based on the requirements of breeders and the characteristics of their projects, the quality of the content of the service, the use of modern means of communication, appropriate allocations, follow-up, evaluation, and continuous improvement. Four Field: Provide an appropriate external environment. It includes three axes: an enabling environment. The Implementation of a national program for developing buffalo in Iraq.

Highlights

Protecting and developing national agricultural resources, including buffalo, is considered one of the Iraqi agriculture challenges to achieve sustainable food security, Developing the contribution of agriculture in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), in building a diversified national economy as well as improving the incomes, livelihoods and lives of breeders, which are key axes of the Ministry of Agriculture's strategic plan for the years 2015-2025 (22)
An effective response to the agriculture challenges is considered a national task requiring a departure from traditional work; it is not an appropriate option (18,24). and to achieve a qualitative leap in meeting the requirements of farmers in all areas of their plant and animal activity and all their groups, including buffalo breeders through the development of the performance and effectiveness of systems and institutions of development and agricultural services, and provide appropriate support to them, as called for by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) (15). where indicated that if the family farmers give us the attention and support they deserve and need, we can all meet the agriculture challenges
Agricultural extension is considered a key element in achieving food security and sustainable agricultural development, and an important component of the agricultural innovation system network (1, 31)

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Protecting and developing national agricultural resources, including buffalo, is considered one of the Iraqi agriculture challenges to achieve sustainable food security, Developing the contribution of agriculture in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), in building a diversified national economy as well as improving the incomes, livelihoods and lives of breeders, which are key axes of the Ministry of Agriculture's strategic plan for the years 2015-2025 (22). To achieve a qualitative leap in meeting the requirements of farmers in all areas of their plant and animal activity and all their groups, including buffalo breeders through the development of the performance and effectiveness of systems and institutions of development and agricultural services, and provide appropriate support to them, as called for by the FAO (15). The history of extension work in Iraq extends to more than 60 years, it has provided important services to farmers throughout its history, the performance and effectiveness of this service is considered below the level required to effectively address the challenges of agriculture in the country(6) and in meeting the requirements of rural (5) which is a major productive activity for thousands of rural families and their source of income; Which had an important impact on their knowledge, skills and technology in the management of their activities and in productivity and economic returns. The study was aimed to provide a visualization to develop the effectiveness of extension service. to meeting the requirements of buffalo breeders in Iraq

MATERIALS AND METHODS

RESULT