Agricultural Extension Organizations Research Articles

Evaluating the Immunogenicity of Avian Influenza Virus Nucleoprotein

1- Department of Biochemistry, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran 2- Department of Proteomics and Biochemistry, Razi vaccine and serum research institute, Agricultural research education and extension organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran , madanirasool@gmail.com 3- Department of Proteomics and Biochemistry, Razi vaccine and serum research institute, Agricultural research education and extension organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran

THE REALITY OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND EXTENSION ORGANIZATIONS IN IRAQ

Iraq is one of the agricultural countries in the world. Agriculture is the second source of income after oil in Iraq. Agricultural development is a link between scientific research and agricultural extension because the use of scientific knowledge in agriculture has become very important, which has prompted many countries to increase their investment in scientific research. There is a main agricultural extension department in Baghdad, in addition to agricultural extension departments in the provinces. The aim of this study was to determine the actual relationship between the agricultural research and extension organizations in Iraq throw knowing the importance of activities that achieve the relationship and implementation level according to respondents' opinions. The study aimed also to identify the barriers facing the relationship between the agricultural research and extension organizations and respondents' suggestions that strength the link between the researches and agricultural extension agents. This study was conducted on group of researchers and extension agents who work in Agricultural Extension and Cooperation Department and Agricultural Researches Department. A random sample of 40% was selected. The total was (38) agricultural extension agents and (35) agricultural researchers. A questionnaire was used as a tool for data collection. Data were analyzed using the SPSS Version 24.0 statistical software. Descriptive statistics including percentages, frequencies, means, and standard deviations, were used to summarize the data. The most important results showed that the relationship between agricultural research and extension organizations was weak, while a high percentage of respondents believed that the relationship between them was very important. The study illustrated that the most important barrier facing the relationship between the agricultural research and extension organizations was the absence of regulations and laws that organize the relationship between them. The most important suggestions that respondents believed to strengthen the relationship are the establishment of legislations that organize the relationship and work through the research and extension teams and establishment of permanent committees to coordinate the work between them. In addition, the study found that the communication between agricultural researchers and extension agents was informal. Furthermore, the study recommended that the relationship should be continued, and that multiple organizational and administrative methods should be used to strengthen the linkages between agricultural research and extension organizations. Also, the study recommended that agricultural researchers and extension agents should participate in planning and implementing agricultural extension programs.

واقع العلاقة بین التنظیمات البحثیة والارشادیة الزراعیة فی العراق

Iraq is one of the agricultural countries in the world. Agriculture is the second source of income after oil in Iraq. Agricultural development is a link between scientific research and agricultural extension because the use of scientific knowledge in agriculture has become very important, which has prompted many countries to increase their investment in scientific research. There is a main agricultural extension department in Baghdad, in addition to agricultural extension departments in the provinces. The aim of this study was to determine the actual relationship between the agricultural research and extension organizations in Iraq throw knowing the importance of activities that achieve the relationship and implementation level according to respondents' opinions. The study aimed also to identify the barriers facing the relationship between the agricultural research and extension organizations and respondents' suggestions that strength the link between the researches and agricultural extension agents. This study was conducted on group of researchers and extension agents who work in Agricultural Extension and Cooperation Department and Agricultural Researches Department. A random sample of 40% was selected. The total was (38) agricultural extension agents and (35) agricultural researchers. A questionnaire was used as a tool for data collection. Data were analyzed using the SPSS Version 24.0 statistical software. Descriptive statistics including percentages, frequencies, means, and standard deviations, were used to summarize the data. The most important results showed that the relationship between agricultural research and extension organizations was weak, while a high percentage of respondents believed that the relationship between them was very important. The study illustrated that the most important barrier facing the relationship between the agricultural research and extension organizations was the absence of regulations and laws that organize the relationship between them. The most important suggestions that respondents believed to strengthen the relationship are the establishment of legislations that organize the relationship and work through the research and extension teams and establishment of permanent committees to coordinate the work between them. In addition, the study found that the communication between agricultural researchers and extension agents was informal. Furthermore, the study recommended that the relationship should be continued, and that multiple organizational and administrative methods should be used to strengthen the linkages between agricultural research and extension organizations. Also, the study recommended that agricultural researchers and extension agents should participate in planning and implementing agricultural extension programs.

Effects of Cyclosporine Therapy on Liver and Kidney Retrieval in Poisoned Male Rats by Mesobuthus eupeus Scorpion Venom

Background: Mesobuthus eupeus venom is a member of Buthidae family, which can enter the blood circulation exerting detrimental effects on body organs, such as the liver and kidney through inflammation. Cyclosporine, known as an anti-inflammatory drug, is used to treat many inflammation-associated diseases. Objectives: In this study, cyclosporine was selected to inhibit the scorpion toxin effects on rat organs. Methods: This experimental study was conducted in the Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran, from June to November 2019. Fifty male rats were randomly divided into five groups of 10, including the control (10 mg/kg olive oil i.p), M. eupeus venom (10 mg/kg i.p.), cyclosporine 10 mg/kg (venom 10 mg/kg for 30 min i.p followed by cyclosporine 10/kg mg for 7 day i.p.), cyclosporine 20 mg/kg (venom 10 mg/kg for 30 min i.p followed by cyclosporine 20 mg/kg for 7 day i.p.), and cyclosporine 30 mg/kg (venom 10 mg/kg for 30 min i.p followed by cyclosporine 30 mg/kg for 7 day i.p.). After treatment with cyclosporine, the liver and kidney function was analyzed by calculating some biochemical enzymes, including serum glutamate-pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-2 (IL-2), malondialdehyde (MDA), creatinine, and urea via ELISA and spectrophotometry. Then, to determine the rate of apoptosis in tissue, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling method was done. Results: At the end of the study, the results showed a significant elevation in SGPT (164.5 ± 10 vs. 126.2 ± 7, P < 0.0001), SGOT (190.37 ± 11 vs. 148 ± 10, P < 0.0001), NO (24.4 ± 1.17 vs. 17.4 ± 1.4, P = 0.02), and MDA (0.42 ± 0.05 vs. 0.22 ± 0.04, P < 0.0001) in the venom group compared with the control group. There were no significant differences in the urea, IL-2, and creatinine between the venom and control groups. However, the group receiving cyclosporine (30 mg/kg) showed a significant decline in SGPT (96.42 ± 5.7 vs. 164.5 ± 10, P < 0.0001), SGOT (144.57 ± 9.24 vs. 190.37 ± 11, P < 0.0001), urea (28.83 ± 1.32 vs. 38.83 ± 1.6, P = 0.00), creatinine (0.023 ± 0.01vs. 0.29 ± 0.005, P < 0.0001), and MDA (0.10 ± 0.01 vs. 0.42 ± 0.05, P < 0.0001), as well as increased apoptosis rate (P < 0.05), compared with the venom group. No significant difference was observed between the cyclosporine and venom groups in NO and IL-2. Conclusions: Cyclosporine at a dose of 30 mg was able to decrease inflammatory responses and induce apoptosis rate. Therefore, it could be a suitable drug for patients bitten by a scorpion sting.

Networking of the Farm Women by the Farm Science Centre of North Bengal

Agricultural extension organizations of developing nations confronted numerous limitations in their activities of information age and use. Farm Science Center or Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) assumes a significant job in giving information to the farmers and farm women in India. Rural women structure a huge portion of the agricultural workforce. They likewise need proper and usable information that would assist them with their cultivating exercises. Farm women will, in general, get recycled information from their spouses and companions if they are not the leader of their family. They are less intrigued to go to training activities because of family obligations or versatility imperatives. Thought of the above circumstance, an investigation (by gathering information) was directed on "Networking of the Farm women by the Farm Science Centre of North Bengal". The investigation was directed from March 2018 to April 2019 in North Bengal. The information was gathered from the optional sources. It was found from the examination that participation of farm women in extension activities was nearly higher than in training activities. Farm Science centre dispersed agricultural information through the arrangement of various grass root level extension organisation, for example, Farmers Clubs and Self Help Groups.

Improving Agricultural Extension Services through Knowledge Management Practices in the Delta Region of Egypt: An Applied Study of Knowledge Management Model

Knowledge management is considered as an essential factor for the sustainable development of enterprises in the agricultural context. A consecutive workshops were conducted for senior and junior agricultural extension workers (AEWs) of two Governorates of the Delta region namely: Beheira and Kafr-Elsheikh. A purposive sample of 11 senior AEWs and 20 junior AEWs was selected. The Wiig knowledge management model (KMM) of four stages was used to identify the knowledge management practices. Descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) were used for presenting interview responses and Chi Square Test was used to determine the differences between senior and junior AEWs regarding their responses .The most important results were: the respondents obtain explicit knowledge from the statistics department and pamphlets. Types of formulating and documenting knowledge were the periodical minutes and reports. The available knowledge was compatible with the farmers' problems. Remembering the explicit knowledge was facilitated by frequent use of the acquired knowledge. Explicit knowledge was kept on computer bases of the specialized departments. Aggregating and categorizing knowledge were rallying on personal efforts. The practical knowledge was provided through awareness-raising meetings with farmers. Significant differences were found between senior and junior AEWs regarding their responses concerning: obtaining the tacit knowledge, compatibility of knowledge with farmers' problems, and retrieving knowledge. Among the most important recommendations were: conducting training programs on knowledge management concept and practices for AEWs and establishing knowledge management units at the central and the two Governorates level. Some suggested recommendations are: forming specialized team to organize and document the tacit knowledge, allocating storage units for knowledge including new tools and the required electronic devices, coordinating research institutions with agricultural extension organizations in transferring farmers' problems through formal procedures, and supporting the provision of AESs and developing the evaluation methods of the provided services. These predictors, however, need further work to validate reliability.

Yield components analyses in cotton: G. hirsutum cultivars with multivariate statistical methods

Cotton is the first and the main fibrous plant that it plays an important role in the creation of careers for individuals and development of textile industries in all over the world. Selection of a suitable cultivar for the West Azerbaijan region is important, since West Azerbaijan is the origin of cotton in Iran. This research conducted in order to evaluate of quantitative and qualitative traits of hopeful cotton cultivars under cold conditions in Urmia region. In this study eight cultivars evaluated with Varamin and Sahel as check cultivars in form of randomized complete block design with four replications in 2014 and 2015 (two cropping seasons) at Saatlou station of west Azerbaijan agricultural research, education, and extension organization. Results showed that K8802 cultivar is earliness cultivar and also is one of the best cultivars according to the traits such as the number of bolls per plant, sympodia per plant, final yield, seed cotton yield (yield of per plant), and qualitative traits. According to the combination analysis results, the interaction effect between treatment and year (treatment

ANALYSING THE RICE STRAW RECYCLING PROBLEMS IN BEHEIRA GOVERNORATE

the study aimed at analysing rice straw recycling problems according to IQ Matrix, indentifying the officials & executives' opinions and suggesting some extension activities based on the matrix results. A Random sample of 113 farmers was selected from three districts. Data were collected through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews during February and March 2018. The study revealed the following results: The problems of recycling rice straw started about 10 years ago. The most important aspects of these problems were high prices of the Compost & Non-Traditional Fodder inputs, high prices of machines, small agricultural & animals holdings sizes. The most positives aspects of the problems related to rice straw recycling were modification of the behaviour of the respondents, reducing the chemical fertilizers' cost, and recognizing the advantages of N.T.F.Farmer is the first affected one by the problems of recycling rice straw and the agricultural extension organization is the most important agency associated with these problems as well as agricultural cooperatives, Ministry of Environment and also private sector. The respondents have awareness of how the various organizations affect negatively or positively on the rice straw problems. Recently, both the agricultural extension workers and Ministry of Environment have significant role in the implementation of Compost & N.T.F. From the view points of officials and executive respondents a high attention should be paid to support the agricultural extension workers. Their most important suggestions were implementing extension activities regarding to rice straw recycling to raise the farmers' awareness according to the scientific principles. The most important suggestions to solve the rice straw recycling problems were supporting the agricultural cooperative with some machines, encouraging small farmers to form aggregates and conducting specialized training programs for agricultural extension workers.

The farmers’ knowledge of the techniques of the sustainable agriculture in Assuit governorate, Egypt

This research aimed to identify the level of knowledge of the respondents farmers concerning with sustainable agriculture techniques in Assiut governorate, the obstacles facing them while using sustainable agriculture techniques, and their proposals to overcome these obstacles and to know the relationship between the level of knowledge farmers concerning with sustainable agriculture techniques and their independent studied variables. This research has been carried out in Assiut governorate; two districts were randomly selected from the governorate. These are Assiut and Aboitig A village was randomly selected from each district, respectively, Mankabad and Masoudi. The sample was randomly selected from the villages of the study with10% of the total number of farmers in each village. The sample was as follows: 124 respondent farmers in the village of Mankabad in Assiut district. The total number of farmers in this village is 1242 farmers and 85 respondents in the village of Masaoudi in Aboitig district. The total number of village farmers is 850 farmers, and the data were collected by personal interview using a questionnaire prepared specifically for this purpose during the month of July and August 2017. Data were analyzed and shown using illustrating tables, frequencies, analysis, that was done through using a percentages, and chi-square test package of statistical programs of social sciences (SPSS). The results indicated that: Knowledge level of 71.29% respondents farmers were average or low for sustainable farming techniques. The most important obstacles facing farmers when using sustainable agriculture techniques are: lack of sources of selling biological fertilizers, high costs of importing natural resistants, and some techniques such as modern irrigation methods, and the absence of incentives by the agricultural extension organization. The most important proposals of farmers to overcome the obstacles facing them when using sustainable agriculture techniques are: providing sources for selling of bio-fertilizers in agricultural societies, finding a specialist to multiply the natural resistants, and providing the necessary loans to farmers to buy modern irrigation supplies. There is significant relationship between the level of knowledge of the farmers concerning with sustainable agriculture techniques, and each of their following independent variables: age, educational level, agricultural holding capacity, and sources of information.

The Needs of Customer to Agricultural Extension Service and the Performance Level of Public Agricultural Extension Organization

The Needs of Customer to Agricultural Extension Service and the Performance Level of Public Agricultural Extension Organization

Confirmation of induced hybrid from female ship sturgeon (Acipenser nudiventrisLovetsky, 1828) and male Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii, Brandt, 1869) using microsatellite markers

Journal of Applied IchthyologyVolume 31, Issue 6 p. 1002-1005 Short Communication Confirmation of induced hybrid from female ship sturgeon (Acipenser nudiventris Lovetsky, 1828) and male Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii, Brandt, 1869) using microsatellite markers M. Hassanzadeh Saber, Corresponding Author M. Hassanzadeh Saber Genetics and Biotechnology Department, International Sturgeon Research Institute, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Rasht, Iran Author's address: Mohammad Hassanzadeh Saber, Genetics & Biotechnology Department, International Sturgeon Research Institute, P. O. Box: 41635-3464, Rasht, Iran. E-mail: saber.merag@gmail.comSearch for more papers by this authorS. Baradaran Noveiri, S. Baradaran Noveiri Genetics and Biotechnology Department, International Sturgeon Research Institute, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Rasht, IranSearch for more papers by this authorM. Pourkazemi, M. Pourkazemi Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, IranSearch for more papers by this authorM. R. Nowruzfashkhami, M. R. Nowruzfashkhami Genetics and Biotechnology Department, International Sturgeon Research Institute, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Rasht, IranSearch for more papers by this authorM. Yarmohammadi, M. Yarmohammadi Genetics and Biotechnology Department, International Sturgeon Research Institute, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Rasht, IranSearch for more papers by this authorM. A. Salari Aliabadi, M. A. Salari Aliabadi Khorramshahr University of Marine Sciences and Technology, Khorramshahr, IranSearch for more papers by this authorH. Zolgharnein, H. Zolgharnein Khorramshahr University of Marine Sciences and Technology, Khorramshahr, IranSearch for more papers by this authorM. T. Ronagh, M. T. Ronagh Khorramshahr University of Marine Sciences and Technology, Khorramshahr, IranSearch for more papers by this author M. Hassanzadeh Saber, Corresponding Author M. Hassanzadeh Saber Genetics and Biotechnology Department, International Sturgeon Research Institute, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Rasht, Iran Author's address: Mohammad Hassanzadeh Saber, Genetics & Biotechnology Department, International Sturgeon Research Institute, P. O. Box: 41635-3464, Rasht, Iran. E-mail: saber.merag@gmail.comSearch for more papers by this authorS. Baradaran Noveiri, S. Baradaran Noveiri Genetics and Biotechnology Department, International Sturgeon Research Institute, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Rasht, IranSearch for more papers by this authorM. Pourkazemi, M. Pourkazemi Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, IranSearch for more papers by this authorM. R. Nowruzfashkhami, M. R. Nowruzfashkhami Genetics and Biotechnology Department, International Sturgeon Research Institute, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Rasht, IranSearch for more papers by this authorM. Yarmohammadi, M. Yarmohammadi Genetics and Biotechnology Department, International Sturgeon Research Institute, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Rasht, IranSearch for more papers by this authorM. A. Salari Aliabadi, M. A. Salari Aliabadi Khorramshahr University of Marine Sciences and Technology, Khorramshahr, IranSearch for more papers by this authorH. Zolgharnein, H. Zolgharnein Khorramshahr University of Marine Sciences and Technology, Khorramshahr, IranSearch for more papers by this authorM. T. Ronagh, M. T. Ronagh Khorramshahr University of Marine Sciences and Technology, Khorramshahr, IranSearch for more papers by this author First published: 03 October 2015 https://doi.org/10.1111/jai.12878Citations: 3Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Citing Literature Volume31, Issue6December 2015Pages 1002-1005 RelatedInformation

Developing a performance measurement model for agricultural extension agents

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to propose a performance measurement (PM) model for agricultural extension agents. Based on an interdisciplinary approach, management accounting-agricultural extension, the study has three main research objectives: highlight the main concepts to be embedded in a PM model for agricultural extension agents in an agricultural extension organization (RO1); identify main PM components of the proposed PM model for agricultural extension agents (RO2); and investigate empirically the causal relationships in the proposed PM model (RO3). Design/methodology/approach – An interdisciplinary literature review and a proposed PM model for agricultural extension agents are presented (RO1 and RO2). An empirical survey is incorporated, carried out in early 2011 (RO3), to examine three groups, totaling around 274 respondents. Data were collected through personal interviews using structured questionnaire forms. Path analysis technique was applied. Findings – The authors propose a PM model consisting of five components. The five components are: agricultural extension agents’ characteristics, agents’ work attitudes, services provided, use of agricultural extension services and farmers’ satisfaction with agricultural extension services. The overall findings of the empirical surveys were found to validate the suggested causal relations among the components of the model. Findings indicate that 85 per cent of changes in farmers’ satisfaction with services are explained by changes in the preceding variables in the model. Research limitations/implications – It is, however, important to view this study with a few limitations in mind; for instance, using a survey method (e.g. sampling and the use of questionnaires in data collection); and the constraints associated with the model. That is to say that the components of the model could be further increased to incorporate other aspects of stakeholders, e.g. the economic impact of governmental financial policies on tax and the customs duties on agricultural products. Practical implications – A Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations agricultural extension reference manual recommends certain purposes for a PM in agricultural extension organizations; interestingly, all these are already embedded in the proposed PM model, which makes it unequivocally a useful PM model for agriculture extension agents in agricultural extension organizations worldwide. Furthermore, the proposed model contributes significantly to agricultural extension practitioners and academics alike. It focuses the attention of agricultural extension organizations on the causal relationships among the model’s components. These components are linked to the agricultural extension organization strategies. Social implications – In addition to the practical implications above, the proposed PM model demonstrates the need for placing equal importance on all five components included and setting performance indicator (PI) targets. Originality/value – The importance of this study emerges from the fact that it is helpful to examine the development and implementation of PM models across various disciplines to enhance understanding. The PM model overcomes the shortcomings in previous PM models of agricultural extension agents’ criteria/models in the agricultural extension literature. It is not merely a theoretically proposed model because the proposed causal relations amongst its variables are empirically investigated. Following management accounting and strategy theories, the authors propose that the relative importance of the attributes of PI in the proposed model differs according to each agricultural extension organization’s strategy, size and organizational structure.

Job Competence and Job Performance of the Extension Personnel of the Department of Agriculture in Tripura State of North-East India

The main concern in human resource development in agricultural extension organization is the improvement in the performance of the extension personnel. For enhancing the competence and performance of the extension personnel it is very important to delineate the factors responsible for it along with the level of job competence and performance. A study was conducted in Tripura state of northeast India and data was collected from eighty extension personnel [40 Agriculture Officers (AOs) and 40 Village Level Workers (VLWs)] by using structure interview schedule. The findings of the study indicated that most of the AOs had high level of job competence whereas; most of the VLWs had medium level of job competence. AOs had expressed high level of job performance whereas, VLWs had medium level of job performance.

IPA분석을 통한 농업기계 임대사업의 전략적 개선방안

Short-term agricultural machinery rental system has been operated by agricultural extension organization of local government (agricultural technology center) and sponsored by Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs, to improve utilization efficiency and save agricultural production cost through joint utilization of agricultural machinery. This study was conducted to analyze current status of the rental system operation and provide recommendations for future direction. Question survey was conducted for officers in charge of the rental system in the technology center, and strategic improvement was suggested through importance performance analysis (IPA). Survey results showed that 11 issues should be reformed or improved by 2015, which is not practically feasible. IPA analysis resulted that administration and manpower support, cooperation between federal and local organizations, and cooperation with other organizations should be focused for successful operation of the rental system. Issues that seem to happen after 2015 need to be handled as future research.

پیشاهنگ، رقم جدید ارزن معمولی برای تولید علوفه قصیل در دوره زمانی کوتاه

Research was conducted during 1999 to 2009 to develop and introduce a new common millet (Panicum miliaceum) cultivar suitable for areas with short growing seasons in Iran. Several common millet populations collected from different locations of Iran were evaluated in research farm of Seed and Plant Improvement Institute in Karaj and based on yield, agronomic traits and tolerance to abiotic stresses such loding, 21 superior lines were selected. During years 2000 to 2009, these lines were evaluated in different research experiments in Karaj, Gorgan and Dezful and also in farmers fields in Yazd, Kerman and Zabol, finally a superior line coded as KCM7 was selected. Based on the results of these experiments, the new line was early maturing with high and stable fresh forage yield of 35.5 tha-1 and dry forage yield of 7.6 tha-1. The panicle length of KCM7 is 26.87 cm, its 1000 seed weight is 4.2 g with yellow color seeds and yield of 1.69 tha-1. Line KCM7 was officially introduced in 2009 by Seed and Plant Improvement Institute after approval of Seed Registration Committee of Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization with name of Pishahang as the first common millet cultivar in Iran.

Extension Management Competency Needs of Agricultural Extension Agents in Kenya

Improvement in the management of agricultural extension organizations has been identified as a key challenge in the delivery of extension services in Kenya. Ensuring effective management of agricultural extension services is crucial to the growth of the agricultural industry. To improve extension service delivery, the Agricultural Sector Development Strategy (ASDS) has been formulated with a paradigm shift from a top-bottom and centralized extension service to a decentralized and pluralistic extension service. Training staff to acquire capabilities to operate under these new management models is critical to the revitalization of the agricultural industry which is a key economic growth strategy in the Vision 2030. This requires an assessment of the management competencies required by extension staff in order to make recommendations for appropriate design of training programmes. Based on this premise, this study was conducted to examine the current extension management competencies of 440 staff in the public and private agricultural extension service sectors and assess differences in competency requirements between Frontline Extension Workers (FEW) and Subject Matter Specialists (SMS). A crosssectional survey was used and training needs determined and expediency prioritized using Borich’s Needs Discrepancy Model (BNDM) and a Mean Weighted Discrepancy Score (MWDS). The agricultural extension management competencies with the highest training need were; Motivating employees, Stress management, Managing conflict, Strategic planning, Mentoring/coaching employees, and Employee appraisal and counselling. Management competencies such as communication, extension program management and farmer group formation were also prioritized for training. There were no significant differences between the training needs of extension agents in the sectors and only managing finances was significantly different between SMS and FEW. The high MWDS obtained for management competencies form the basis for designing relevant in-service courses and warrant their inclusion in agricultural programs at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n6p11

A conceptual model of intrapreneurship in the Iranian agricultural extension organization

Purpose – This study seeks to build a conceptual model of agricultural extension intrapreneurship that discusses the concept and phenomenon of intrapreneurship as well as its prerequisites and outcomes. The proposed model is intended to depict the main factors that affect the phenomena of intrapreneurship within the agricultural extension organizations and the impact of intrapreneurship on agricultural extension organizational outcomes, as well as factors influencing its continuous outcomes.Design/methodology/approach – The paper identifies and describes the existence and past literature on prerequisites, phenomena and outcomes of intrapreneurship in organizations as a basis for analysis and developing an appropriate model of agricultural extension intrapreneurship. This is a conceptual paper selecting targeted scholarly works that provide support for the proposed model.Findings – The paper presents a model of Iranian agricultural extension in which the organizational, behavioral and environmental factors...

Factors affecting members’ evaluation of agri-business ventures’ effectiveness

This paper presents work to identify factors affecting effectiveness of agri-business ventures (A-BVs) on the side of providers as perceived by their members. A survey was conducted among 95 members of A-BVs in Zanjan province, Iran. To collect data, a questionnaire was designed. Two distinct groups of A-BVs with low (group 1) and high (group 2) perceived (evaluated) levels of effectiveness were revealed. The study showed that there were significant differences between the two groups on important characteristics of A-BVs and their members. The study also found that there were statistically significant relationships between A-BVs’ governance structure and capacity, management and organization characteristics and the perceived effectiveness, whereas there were no statistically significant relationships between A-BVs’ advisory methods characteristic applied by members and the perceived effectiveness. Logistic regression results also showed that level of application of rules encouraging members’ active participation in important decision makings, clear terms of reference to guide contracting procedures, roles, and responsibilities of parties involved, type of people served and geographical area of program coverage, and members’ ability to use Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) were predictors of the perceived (evaluated) effectiveness of A-BVs. The study showed that evaluation of members of effectiveness of A-BVs would not be the same. It is suggested that Iranian public agricultural extension organization, as responsible organization for monitoring and evaluating services conducted by A-BVs, considered these differences between members with different levels of some important variables.

Approaches For Preparing Agricultural Advisory Services Feasibility Study

According to present literature on agricultural extension organizations reforms, moving towards agricultural advisory services have become a paramount choice to perform these changes by policy makers and planners throughout the world especially in developing countries. The mainpurpose of this study was to propose some methods for doing agricultural advisory services feasibility studies. For doing so, three methods, which include project objectives-based approaches, force field analysis -based approaches, fitness between frame conditions and choice variables-based approaches have been introduced in this paper based on this criticalassumption that there is no best practice or method for designing these services and it necessary to choose best fit agricultural advisory services.

Challenges in Public Agricultural Extension of Korea

Based upon the conceptual framework of the paradigm shift in agricultural extension of Korea, this research presents the challenges of the subjects, functions, methods, and resources of Korean agricultural extension. The presented challenges are estimating a greater variety of customers’ needs, strengthening the link between the agricultural extension and agricultural research and development, weakening the link between the agricultural extension and agricultural administration, making Korean agricultural extension be mainly for farmers and consumers, and having Korean agricultural officers change their capability and awareness so that they cope with the challenges of the new agricultural extension. To manage these challenges more effectively, this research also presented that the structure and the culture of an agricultural extension organization and the status of agricultural extension officers should be changed.