An assessment of agriculture extension workers' training needs in the area of mechanized agriculture in Iran as perceived by the participants in the Fifth National Meeting on Agriculture Extension held in Isfahan, Iran.

摘要

Scope and method of study. The purpose of the study was to identify the training needs of agriculture extension workers in the area of mechanized agriculture in Iran. The respondents of the study were asked to determine the degree of cooperation between agricultural colleges and the Extension Service in Iran. The study also attempted to determine the best location and training interval for the extension workers in mechanized agriculture. Furthermore, the study sought to answer questions relating to the extent of training needed by the extension workers in six competency areas of operation and safety, maintenance and service, major repairs, selection of equipment and matching to auxiliary machines, tillage systems, and types of farming operations under the area of farm power and machinery and farming systems. Finally, the respondents were asked to express their views with regard to present level and problems of agricultural mechanization in Iran, the role of mechanization in boosting agricultural productivity, and selection of appropriate technology for mechanization.;The population of the study consisted of the participants in the Fifth National Meeting on Agriculture Extension held in Isfahan, Iran in the spring of 1989. Of 110 questionnaires distributed, 86 were received for analysis.;Findings and conclusions. The findings of the study indicated that there was little cooperation between agricultural colleges and the Extension Service in Iran. Agricultural high schools, two-year agricultural colleges, and provincial departments of agriculture were perceived to be the best places for training extension workers in the area of mechanized agriculture on an annual basis. Overall, agriculture extension workers in Iran needed "Much" training in all areas of competency. The rank order for training in four area of competency for 11 different classes of machinery and equipment was determined to be operation and safety, maintenance and service, selection of equipment and matching to auxiliary machines, and major repairs. Furthermore, the extension workers needed the most training in all areas of competency for field sprayers and grain drills and the least training for small power units, combines, and land leveling equipment. Also, it was found that most problems associated with mechanization in Iran had to do with lack of equal and just distribution of farm machinery and equipment and spare parts for them among farmers of various regions. The respondents of the study also indicated that small and medium farmers' farms needed the most attention in terms of technology selection in order to raise their socio-economic status in rural areas of the country.