REFORMING AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION IN EGYPT FROM THE VIEWPOINT OF CENTRAL LEVEL EXTENSION EMPLOYEES

摘要

This study explored the opinions of central level extension employees about whether the Egyptian agricultural extension system needs to be reformed or not, and the alternatives they consider to be the best-fit options for extension in Egypt. The study covered 98 extension employees at the central level; findings show that all aspects of the Egyptian extension system are good candidates for reform and possible restructuring. These aspects could be ranked as financing, policy organizational structure, staffing, and field operations as reported by 100, 95, 91, and 68 of the respondents, respectively. Concerning the overall extension system, about 91 of the respondents reported that the Egyptian extension system is a good candidate for reform and possible restructuring. Findings also show that devolution, deconcentration, and delegation were the appropriate arrangements for extension decentralization as mentioned by 85, 82, and 55 of the respondents, respectively. Moreover, alternatives of providing and financing extension services were suggested and prioritized.