Challenges and Constraints Facing the Agricultural Extension System in Egypt

Abstract

Purpose: The research aimed to identify the important problems facing the agricultural extension system in Egypt. Research Method: A simple random sample was selected from the extension workers in Fayoum and Beheira governorates (196 respondents) Data collection was done from October 2020 to February 2021, using a questionnaire designed based on the framework of modernization and development of agricultural extension systems developed by FAO. Findings: The results indicated that the extension organization in Egypt suffers from aging and erosion (62.2% of the surveyed agricultural extension workers are over 46 years old), 58.7% of the surveyed Extension workers were not specialized in agricultural extension. the extension workers were not sufficiently satisfied with their work. As for the important problems facing extension work in Egypt, foremost of which was the problem centralization, lack of authority delegation, absence of institutional work, absence of funding sources, weakness of the operational budget, weakness of the academic programs before service, absence of adequate training opportunities, absence of a clear and integrative mechanism to link agricultural extension with scientific research institutions, in addition to the absence of coordination with colleges of agriculture and veterinary medicine, mass media, NGOs, and private sector could be identified. Research Limitation: This study was based on a small sample in two governorates. Therefore, policymakers should be careful to generalize the findings to a broad context. Originality/ Value: This study dealt with extension problems within the framework of modernization and development of agricultural extension systems developed by FAO, to provide officials with a vision of the most important problems and reform priorities.

The Contribution of Agronomic Management to Sustainably Intensify Egypt’s Wheat Production

“…Beyond such economic incentives, it appears paramount to also increase the social acceptance and recognition of farming for the younger generation [26]. A mean age of wheat farmers of 56 years, compared to the mean age of 26 years of the whole population in Egypt [27], highlights the lack of interest in farming among the younger generation [28]. This trend, if not reversed, may jeopardize the future of agriculture and food production in Egypt and possibly beyond [29].…”

Financial, Institutional, and Humanitarian Risks and Their Impact on Tomato Cultivation in Sulaymani Governorate

“…[7] Through its multifaceted functions, which encompass human resource development through training initiatives, it possesses the capacity to contribute significantly to rural development, (14) the adequacy of coordination between agricultural sector departments and agricultural banks in the credit program, the effectiveness of farmers' organizations in transferring modern technology to agricultural areas, and there is a comprehensive and complete approach to agricultural development programs and encouraging the efficiency of agricultural research, extension, and information systems in the agricultural sector. [8,9,10,11,12,13] Agricultural extension serves as a primary instrument to augment agricultural output, promote the welfare of rural households, and elevate their quality of life [14,15] by improving the means of production from both the administrative standpoint and taking care of marketing crops, [16] Furthermore, it facilitates educational transformations by disseminating the outcomes of agricultural research, thereby influencing the knowledge, competencies, and perspectives of farmers and their households. [17] On the other hand, the cultivation of vegetables of all kinds is of great economic importance to some countries because of their export capacity, as they constitute an important part of their national economy, in addition to the short life cycle of the plant, high productivity per unit area compared to other crops, rapid financial returns, and the spread of manufacturing plants.…”

Organizational Obstacles for extension workers and Their Impact on the Effectiveness of Agricultural Extension Management in Sulaymani Governorate - Kurdistan Region- Iraq

“…Despite this, studies conducted in many countries around the world, especially in developing countries, confirmed that agricultural extension services were not very effective and suffered from many problems, including weak organizational structures, a central problem, lack of delegation of powers, lack of funding sources, weak operating budget, weak academic programs before service, absence of appropriate training opportunities, lack of a clear and integrated mechanism to link agricultural extension with scientific research institutions, in addition to the absence of coordination with the faculties of agriculture and veterinary medicine, the media, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector. [12,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22].…”