Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Associate Professor, Department of Water and Agricultural Management, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.
2 Graduated of Agricultural Management, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili
3 PhD Student, Faculty of Agriculture, Bu Ali Sina University, Hamedan
Abstract
Agricultural extension has faced challenges over its decades of operation. ،o address them, a new extension system has been implemented since 2016, now known as current extension system. This study examines zoning system experts' opinions IN Ardabil province regarding the effectiveness, barriers, and strategies for ITS development. It is an applied-descriptive study conducted using a cross-sectional survey. The statistical population waszoning experts (N=173). The sample size was set at 108 experts. The instrument was a researcher-made questionnaire consisting effectiveness indicators, barriers and strategies for the development of the extension system. The questionnaire was validated by faculty members and extension experts. Its reliability was assessed using a sample of 30 experts. The alpha values were above 0.7, which indicates acceptable reliability. The results showed that experts evaluated the new extension system as average to weak in achieving its goals in various dimensions. The experts gave scores for all effectiveness indicators (ranging from 1-5) as follows: agricultural production areas (2.86), status of farmer participation (2.55), employment of experts in the areas (2.39), organizational communication (2.27), evaluation system (2.33), budget and financial resources (2.21), equipment and facilities (1.92), and administrative laws and regulations (1.86). Based on the exploratory factor analysis, three obstacles to the development of the new system were extracted, including weak policy, underdevelopment and infrastructure, and two solutions for the development of this system, including regulation and policy development, and management and planning. Accordingly, it is necessary to clarify, revise and modify the policies related to the extension system.
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