Challenges facing extension agents in Iraq

Abstract

Determination of the challenges extension agents are facing leads to increased efficiency and effectiveness of extension services. This study assessed the challenges extension agents in Iraq are facing. 100 extension agents were selecting, face-to-faces an interview with a pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to collect data. The study revealed that fifty-three of respondents faced medium challenges. The most important challenges were; low extension agents to farmer ratio, lack of farmer participation, dispersion among the farmers, weak research-extension- farmer linkage, lack of funding, farmers are mostly small scale producers, extension agents are overloaded, and highly centralized in agricultural extension work.A significant and negative correlation was found between the challenges mentioned and the educational qualification, number of trainings attended by extension agent. Challenges can be addressed through staffing more extension agents, increase farmer participation, strength linkage of research-extension- farmers, and provide adequate fund.