Effectiveness of Agricultural Extension Activities

Abstract

Problem statement: Jordan’s agricultural extension service is seriously under-staffed and its effectiveness is consequently compromised. Reservations are being expressed about the performance and capability of the agricultural extension system in Jordan. The performance of this sector has been disappointing and has failed to transfer agricultural technology to the farmers. The main objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of Jordan’s agricultural extension services. Approach: The effect of extension services on olive productivity in the study area was investigated. A total number of 60 olive producers were selected to be interviewed for this study. This number was enough to achieve the study objectives. The interviewed producers were distributed almost equally within olive production locations in the study area. The sample obtained through the simple random sampling technique. The two groups had been chosen and distributed randomly into an experimental group (30 farmers; 10 for each source of extension service) and control group (30 farmers). The experimental group received extension services and the control group received no extension services. Two interview-cum-structured questionnaires were designed and used to collect information and data for this study. The first instrument was designed for farmers who received extension services and the second from farmers who received no extension services. Another questionnaire was designed for administrators of extension organizations concerned with providing extension services to farmers. To find the differences that may exist between two studied groups, One Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), t-test and LSD test via Statistical Package for Social Sciences software (SPSS) were used. The average net profit obtained from an area of one dynamo of olive farm was the main item to be considered in determining the effectiveness of agricultural extension activities. Results and Conclusion: The results of the study revealed that the net profit of farmers who received extension services is almost the same as those who do not receive any extension services. The provided extension services made no difference in the achievement of farmers regarding their production and consequently their net profits. The three main investigated sources of extension services provide inadequate and less effective extension services. To overcome most of the obstacles facing extension programs in Jordan the government should impart extensive in-service agricultural trainings to train the extension personnel to cope with the growing needs of farmers. The establishment of field demonstration sites, pilot sites on farmers’ fields around the demonstrations is another important issues to be covered.