Agricultural Extension Organizations Research Articles

Factors Affecting the Farmer’s Use of Modern Irrigation Systems in Northern Aleppo

This study investigates the adoption of modern irrigation methods, specifically sprinkler and drip irrigation, among farmers in northern Aleppo, Syria. Through a sample of 210 farmers selected via random sampling, we analyze how socio-demographic, geographic, and socio-economic factors impacting the adoption of modern irrigation methods. Using the chi-square test of independence, we compared users and non-users of modern irrigation systems to discern significant disparities across various characteristics. Our findings indicate the use of modern irrigation methods is influenced by various factors in northern Aleppo. These include the educational level of the farmers, the number of years of experience in agriculture, the size of the family, the slope of the land, the distance of the land from surface water sources, the size of the farm, the source of labor, ownership of an agricultural tractor, and the prices of agricultural inputs. In light of these insights, we propose targeted interventions by local authorities and agricultural extension organizations to promote modern irrigation methods in collaboration with educated and experienced farmers. Additionally, raising awareness among farmers about the water crisis and the importance of modern irrigation for enhancing production should be prioritized. Moreover, ensuring the accessibility of quality irrigation supplies at affordable prices, potentially through the facilitation of soft loans, stands imperative to incentivize adoption among interested stakeholders.

Between Professionalism and Amateurism in the Use of the Agricultural Training Videos: Lessons Learnt from Experimental Auctions in Benin

Agriculture training videos (ATV) facilitate the wider dissemination of agricultural technologies and encourage farmers to adapt the learnings to their conditions. However, producing quality video is expensive as well as challenging for notable number of agricultural extension organizations across many Africa countries. This paper compares farmers' willingness to pay (WTP) for two distinct video quality levels—a cheap, amateurish video and a costly, professionally produced video. Using stratified random sampling, 91 farmers were selected for the experimental auction sessions. These farmers were chosen from a database that was compiled by the Ministry of Agriculture developed in 2021, with a total population of 382 vegetable farmers. Data were analyzed using Student's t-test and Tobit model. 97% of farmers who attend the experimental auction sessions, agreed to pay for the ATV and results show a significant difference of 0.063 USD between the two videos, and in favor of professional video. Farmers’ WTP for ATV is influenced by education, access to funding, images clarity, type of character in videos, understanding level of message and language spoken. Video quality is very important in the learning process in rural areas and support the promotion of professional videos. However, amateur videos can be used in agricultural training if financial support are not available for professional videos production.

The level of job performance of workers in the agricultural extension organization for the executive management in the central governorates of Iraq

The level of job performance of workers in the agricultural extension organization for the executive management in the central governorates of Iraq

The Determinants of Employees’ Job Performance and Organizational Commitment of The Agricultural Extension Organization in Menoufiya Governorate

The Determinants of Employees’ Job Performance and Organizational Commitment of The Agricultural Extension Organization in Menoufiya Governorate

Challenges Facing the Agricultural Extension Organization and Ways to Address Them

The study aimed to identify the size of the challenges and obstacles facing the agricultural extension organization in the following areas (the approved extension approach, the organizational structure of the extension organization, the degree of centralization and decentralization, the use of communication technology and information systems, the organizational links and relationships with the relevant authorities, the development of human capabilities). The study identified the problems experienced by agricultural extension agents in the fields of work through the following areas (administrative and organizational problems, problems related to capabilities and facilities, psychological and social problems, financial problems), the study was conducted in the city of Baghdad and the research included all agricultural extension agents working in the extension and training department Agricultural and Extension Center in Baghdad, Training and Rehabilitation Center and Extension Centers working in the Directorate of Agriculture, if the research community totaled (114) respondents, the questionnaire form was used as a data collection tool and included three axes: The first axis included (60) items distributed over (6) areas that represent the challenges that The extension organization faces, and the second axis included (27) paragraphs distributed over four areas that represent the problems facing agricultural extension workers in the fields of work, while the third axis included (15) paragraphs that represent some proposals and solutions to face these challenges and problems. On a group of experts and specialists in the field of extension, and the stability of the research tool was confirmed, after the data collection process, the statistical program (SPSS) was used to analyze that data, and the study concluded the following results: The agricultural extension organization is facing today a set of challenges and obstacles that have an impact The actor on the workflow and implementation of agricultural extension programs and activities, and the agricultural extension workers working in the fields of work suffer from a number of problems and obstacles affecting the efficiency of performing extension tasks, and that the approach and extension approach adopted by the agricultural extension organization do not fit the requirements of the current stage, and that the organizational structure of the current extension organization It includes a lot of work problems and obstacles, and there is a clear deficiency in the delegation of powers, as it was found that there is a weakness in the level of use of that information and communication technology, and also a weakness in the strength of interdependence with the relevant authorities, and the study included some recommendations that would work to improve and develop the performance of the extension organization.

The Opinion of Agricultural Extension Agents on the Importance of Participating in Extension Activities and Procedures Provided by the Agricultural Extension Organization in the Republic of Iraq

The research aimed to identify the opinion of the surveyed agricultural extension agents on the importance of farmers’ participation in the extension activities, as well as to determine the level of farmers’ participation in the extension activities and the reasons for the poor participation of farmers in the extension activities, the procedures that agricultural extension takes to provide opportunities for farmers to participate in the activities. The research was conducted on a sample of agricultural extension agents in four provinces of Iraq, namely Basra, Babil, Salah al-Din, and Nineveh, and the number reached 209 respondents who were chosen randomly, from a community of 418 agricultural extension agents in those provinces, at a rate of 50%, and data was collected from Respondents during August 2022, In a personal interview using a questionnaire form prepared for this purpose after conducting appropriate tests to achieve the research objectives, the data was quantitatively processed and the arithmetic means standard deviation, and the weighted average was used in its analysis, as well as the range and tabular presentation were used by frequency and percentage of data presentation. The most important results that were reached were the following: It became clear that (78.5%) of the respondents believe that the participation of farmers in extension activities is very important. extension, lack of financial and moral support for farmers, weak trust between agricultural extension and farmers, low farmer returns as a result of agricultural production, and the multiplicity and overlapping of agricultural seasons. Extension activities. The most important measures taken by agricultural extension to provide opportunities for farmers to participate in extension activities are: Holding extension seminars with farmers periodically, setting up field schools, communicating new and useful agricultural information and innovations, providing incentives to owners of distinctive extension fields, choosing places close to farmers to hold extension seminars, and educating farmers on the importance of participating in extension activities.

Organizational climate and its impact on the employees’ job satisfaction in the agricultural extension organization of the Governorates of Menoufia and Beheira

Organizational climate and its impact on the employees’ job satisfaction in the agricultural extension organization of the Governorates of Menoufia and Beheira

ANALYSIS OF AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES USED BY CEREAL FARMERS TO ADOPT TO PHENOMENON OF CLIMATR VARIATION IN THE GOVERNORATES OF THE CENTRAL REGION OF IRAQ

This study was aimed to identify the obstacles that facing cereal farmers that applying the agricultural practices to decrease the effects of climate variation phenomenon in the central region of Iraq. This research was conducted on cereal farmers at Baghdad, Najaf, Babil, and Wasit which were the most cultivated governorates of cereal crops (wheat, rice, and yellow corn). A randomized sample of (227) farmers was taken, that represents 0.25% of the total cereal farmers in the four governorates (90,584 farmers). In order to achieve the research goal, a questionnaire was prepared to collect data related to the research topic, for which a four-way scale was designed (33) paragraphs, and this field included three axes (1. Obstacles related to the farmers), (2. Obstacles related to the extension aspect), (3. Obstacles related to government institutions). The research concluded that the cereal farmers had a lack of knowledge about the effects of the climate variations phenomenon on their crops in the central region of Iraq, they also facing many obstacles that need to be solved, which led to their failure to use the correct agricultural practices.The research recommends the necessity of training farmers about scientific practices, research also recommends the necessity of holding training courses by the Agricultural Extension Organization for cereal farmers in order to increase their knowledge and develop their expertise in dealing with the climate variation phenomenon to advance the agricultural reality.

The Needs its Reengineering the Administrative Processes of Agricultural Extension Organization and its Relationship with Som Organizational Variables from the View Point of the Extension Work Leaders

The Needs its Reengineering the Administrative Processes of Agricultural Extension Organization and its Relationship with Som Organizational Variables from the View Point of the Extension Work Leaders

Factors influencing Adoption of Irrigation Technologies among Smallholder Farmers in Machakos County, Kenya

The study examined the factors that drive decisions to adopt and use irrigation technologies among smallholder farmers in Machakos County, Kenya. Data were collected from a sample of 300 smallholder farmers. Cross-sectional survey design, a multistage sampling procedure and random sampling method were employed. Percentages, means and econometric analysis were used in data analysis. Results showed that, 31.7% of the respondents practiced irrigation. Sex of household head, education, farm size, off-farm income, credit accessed and access to extension services positively influenced adoption of irrigation technologies. Adoption intensity was positively influenced by gender, off-farm income, farming experience, primary occupation and extension services. As a result, it is suggested that while formulating development strategies and programs for smallholder farmers, agricultural extension organizations should give priority to these factors.

Supposed A proposal For Developing the Agricultural Extension Organization in Iraq and Activating Its Role in Achieving Sustainable Development

The study aimed to present a proposed theoretical vision for the development of the agricultural extension organization in Iraq that meets the needs of farmers and activates the extension role in achieving sustainable agricultural development, by studying the reality of extension work and diagnosing its weaknesses. The study was used the qualitative research approach that depends on reviewing previous research and studies in studying the phenomenon and diagnosing Its weaknesses, and in the light of this study, a proposed vision was presented to develop the agricultural extension organization in Iraq as an organizational structure, activities and tasks that should be activated in a manner that ensures the achievement of sustainable agricultural development. The study recommended policy and decision makers in the Ministry of Agriculture and the Agricultural Extension and Training Office to benefit from this study and put its results into application.

The impact of R&D investment on grain crops production in China: Analysing the role of agricultural credit and CO2 emissions

AbstractA better understanding of the dynamics involved in grain production is critical for food security and poverty reduction. To this end, several factors influence grain production, including capital (i.e. R&D investment and agricultural credit), agriculture environment (i.e. CO2 emissions), and technical progress (i.e. fertilizers and agricultural machinery). This paper analyses the combined effects of these factors on China's grain crops output from 1990 to 2017 by using the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach. The ARDL‐bounds testing approach provided the long‐run connection amid the variables. The findings include: (i) agricultural R&D spending has an encouraging and meaningful influence on grain crops yield in the long‐run and short‐run; (ii) agricultural credit significantly and positively stimulates grain crops output; (iii) CO2 emissions negatively impact grains' output in the short‐ and long‐run; (iv) area under grain crops and fertilizers used also endure a positive spur on grain crops production in the long‐run and short‐run; and (v) short‐run nexus among the variables is navigated for robustness rationale via the vector error correction model Granger causality practice. Hence, the strategy specialists should also acquaint finances through prescribed organizations on comfortable provisions and minimal interests. In addition, the Chinese Governments and agricultural extension organizations should support the easy acquisition of high‐tech cultivating machinery to harvest crops swiftly and explore substantial markets for further business.

Work Motivation of Development Agents in Agricultural Extension Services Provision in Minjar Shenkora and Ada’a woredas, Central Ethiopia

This study assessed the work motivation of Development Agents (DAs) and analyzed the major factors that might influence their motivation. The study involves a survey questionnaire of 143 DAs, key informants, and focus group discussants in Minjar Shenkora and Ada’a woredas. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics like means, standard deviations, frequencies, and percentages. While qualitative data were thematically summarized, narrated, and then interpreted for triangulation. Chi-square and F-tests were used to test the significance of the mean value differences of the categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation was used to identify factors and to measure the degree of correlation between factor variables related to work motivation. Results of this study showed that about 69% of DAs were in a medium level of work motivation, while about 21% of them were in a low level. While analyzing the major factors affecting work motivation, promotion, recognition, competitive salary, dependable supervision, workload, and degree of involvement were highly correlated positively with work motivation of DAs at a 1% level of significance. Therefore, necessary efforts have to be made to improve the work motivation of DAs in agricultural extension organizations. Thus, concerning agricultural policymakers, extension managers, and supervisors should conduct periodic assessments of work motivation of DA’s and have to plan for improvement. Keywords : Central Ethiopia, development agent, extension services, motivation, DOI: 10.7176/FSQM/112-03 Publication date: January 31 st 2022

Study The Administrative Efficiency of The Agricultural Extension and Training Organization According to The Opinions of Agricultural Extension Workers and Its Relationship to Some Factors in The Southern of Iraq

The research aimed to identify the level of administrative efficiency of the agricultural extension organization and training organization according to the opinions of agricultural extension workers in the southern governorates of Iraq., To conduct this study the sample was randomly selected from the studied governorates (40 respondents from Maysan Governorate, 40 respondents from Thi-Qar province, 42 respondents from the Governorate Basra, the total of research sample was 122 respondents), To collect the data by questionnaire techniques and interviews with the respondents. The data was collected through the personal interviews were adopted (June to July 2020). Statistical tools were used to analyze the data and the SPSS statistical program. The study found that the efficiency of the extension organization in the studied governorates is on average and the degree of efficiency is low in the extension organization.

The relationship between agricultural knowledge management and the re-engineering of administrative processes within the Agricultural Extension Organization in Egypt العلاقة بين إدارة المعرفة الزراعية وإعادة هندسة العمليات الإدارية بمنظمة الإرشاد الزراعي في مصر

This research aimed to: 1) Determine the level of agricultural knowledge management (AKM) within the extension organization in Egypt according to the opinions of the extension leaders, 2) determine the level of application of the reengineering of administrative processes (RAP) within extension system from viewpoints of respondents, and 3) examine the relationship between the degree of AKM and the application of the RAP. The governorates of Beni-Suef, Fayoum and Gharbia were randomly selected as a geographical framework for the field study. Data were collected using a questionnaire administered on a sample of a 68 of the extension leaders including (Extension Directors, heads of extension departments, and directors of extension centers) in the studied governorates, during the period from February to March 2020. Frequencies, percentages, mean, range, Cronbach's alpha, relative weight and Pearson's simple correlation coefficient were used for data analysis and presentation. The study revealed that the average score for AKM in the agricultural extension organization in Egypt reached 89.04 degrees, representing about 80.22% of the total score of the scale, and the average score for the RAP in the extension organization reached 113.65 degrees, representing about 81.18% of the total score. The study also revealed a significant correlation at the 0.01 level of significance between the degrees expressing dimensions of the “improving the image of workers” and “total reengineering” and between all dimensions of agricultural knowledge management, and between the “simplification of work procedures” and all dimensions of AKM except for the “transfer and diffuse knowledge”

Examining the Effects of Workplace Characteristics on Empowerment of the Agricultural Extension Employees in New Valley Governorate, Egypt

This research aimed to: 1) explore the workplace characteristics profile (WCP) of the agricultural extension organization in New Valley Governorate from viewpoint of the extension personnel, 2) identify the level of employees' empowerment perceived by extension personnel, and 3) ascertain the impact of workplace characteristics profile on extension personnel's empowerment. The scale developed by Prien et al. (2009) was used to measure WCP, as well as an adaptation of the questionnaire used by Menon (2001) was used to measure the employees' empowerment. Data were collected using a questionnaire form during January to February 2021 from a sample of 25 persons representing 37.3 % of the total number of extension personnel (extensionists and agricultural supervisors) in New Valley Governorate. Frequencies, percentages, mean, Pearsons' correlation and Step-wise regression analysis were used for data analysis and presentation. Findings revealed that the overall score of respondents’ perceptions of the workplace characteristics profile amounted to 221.15, which represents 73.72% of the total score, the score of the overall mean of empowerment reached 58.55 representing 78.07% of the total score. With regard to the impact of WCP on employees' empowerment, results indicated that there are 35 correlations among WCP's factors and empowerment subscales and there are four factors of WCP (Task Standardization, Standardization of Roles, Controlling Harassment, and Communication) explain between10.1% to 57.5% of the variance on employees' empowerment subscales.

Exploring the ICT Preferences of Personnel from Agricultural Extension Organizations in the Northeastern Region of India

Although the public extension system in India is known to be one of the largest in the world, it still lacks coordinated effort in managing the links between research, extension, and farmers, resulting in non-uniform distribution of agricultural knowledge and technology. A vast majority of the population earning their livelihood through agriculture remain small and marginal farmers. Lack of computerized networks in agricultural extension departments, inadequate skilled manpower for disseminating agricultural information, and increasingly diverse needs of farmers across the Indian sub-continent pose hurdles in effective information transfer to the farming community. The use of information and communication technology (ICT) tools exerts a positive impact on agriculture worldwide by aiding speedy and effective dissemination of agricultural information. An increased awareness of modern ICT tools and their usage will contribute substantially to strengthening the extension network and expand its scope. This study explored the ICT preferences of personnel from agricultural extension organizations employed in public extension organizations in the north-eastern region of India. It found that electronic media is ranked below the conventional extension contact modes of print media and personalized contact regarding its use for disseminating agricultural information by the extension personnel. Demographic characteristics of the personnel from agricultural extension organizations such as sex, age, education, specialization, designation, and work experience were significantly associated with the pattern of ICT use specifically experience with ICT, frequency of use, training, and voluntary use.

Exploring the ICT Preferences of Personnel from Agricultural Extension Organizations in the Northeastern Region of India

Exploring the ICT Preferences of Personnel from Agricultural Extension Organizations in the Northeastern Region of India

The application of electronic management in the agricultural extension organization in Iraq

The application of electronic management in the agricultural extension organization in Iraq has been studied through four fields in the application, as the form included four item, namely: scientific recommendation, extension activities, agricultural employees, and administrative affairs, to enhancing the ability to implement electronic management in the agricultural extension organization. This research was executed in the province of Iraq. The provinces It was divided into four regions, which is next: Northern, Central, Middle Euphrates, and Southern governorates, 4,4,4,3, respectively, the study was carried out of 400 agricultural employees, the a proportional sample of 50% from the total respondents, which included 16 extension centers, 57 extension farms, the Agricultural Extension and Training Department Center, The descriptive approach was used to achieve the objects of the research about the electronic management of the extension organization in Iraq, the data was collected using the questionnaire, for analyzed the data use the (Frequency, and percentage). the results showed that the application of electronic management in the agricultural extension organization is Weak, and a few departments, divisions, extension centers and extension farms of the agricultural extension organization use electronic management in performing agricultural extension activities to communicate scientific recommendations to farmers and deal with agricultural employees in modern management. the recommended to use electronic management in the agricultural extension organization to save time and effort in communicating agricultural scientific guidelines quickly and communicating what is modern to farmers in developing agricultural production.

ANALYSIS OF USE OF AGRO-CHEMICALS AMONG VEGETABLE FARMERS IN MAIDUGURI AND ITS ENVIRONS, NIGERIA

The study analysed the use of agro-chemicals among vegetable farmers in Maiduguri and its environs in Nigeria. Primary data were mainly used for the study. Multi - stage sampling techniques was employed to select 160 vegetable farmers for this study. Both descriptive (frequency distribution, percentages and mean scores) and inferential (regression analysis) statistics were used to analyze the data. The studies revealed that majority (77.50%) of the respondents were male and married (85.63%). The results indicated that majority (70.0%) of the respondents had 7 and above years of formal education. On the vegetable farmer’s sources of information on agro-chemical usage, the study revealed that most (50%) of the respondents got information on agrochemicals from other farmers, followed by stockists with 20%. Most (36.80%) of the respondents showed that they make use of herbicides than other forms of agro-chemicals. The farm size (ha) and income of the respondents has a positive and significant coefficient with p values of 0.000 at 1% level each. The major constraints considered as severe on the use of agro-chemicals among the respondents were high cost of supplies (mean score = 2.16), irregular supplies and insufficient farm incomes (mean score = 2.10) each which were ranked 1st and 2nd respectively. The study recommended those agricultural extension organizations and other stakeholders such as the Ministry of agriculture to carry out improved mobilization and sensitization campaigns to educate farmers on proper and efficient use of agro-chemicals with a view to improving productivity as well as prevent adverse environmental and human health effects.