Investigating the Ggap between Existing and Required Professional Competencies of the Agricultural Extension Agents and Extracting their Training Needs in Iran

Abstract

For the agricultural sector to develop, a capable extension system is necessary. A literature review revealed the absence of comprehensive research in the field that considers all the competencies required by an agricultural agent to achieve optimal efficiency in their duties. To investigate this issue and identify the professional training needs of extension agents, a survey research method was applied. From 10,000 agricultural extension agents, 488 respondents were randomly selected across the country, and the Mann-Whitney test was used to analyze the variables. The results showed that most extension agents were employed despite having been educated in fields other than agricultural extension. Thus, to enhance the system, practical competencies alone are not sufficient. For better performance, extension practitioners must also be equipped with adequate theoretical knowledge (a combination of theory and practice). In terms of familiarity with professional competencies, agents had relatively good knowledge in agricultural sciences, conducting and directing needs assessments, organizing farm days, prioritizing needs and deficiencies, and coordinating participant observations. However, their technical knowledge was limited in areas such as fisheries, conducting brainstorming sessions, developing community-based organizations (CBOs), and conflict management.