Valuation of Extension Officer's Attitudes towards Organic Farming, Khartoum State, Sudan

Abstract

Organic farming is widely used in the world. It is known by its low cost, high yield, high income, and food safety. The aim of this paper was to assess the extension officer’s attitude towards organic farming in Khartoum State. A sample size of 40 extension officers was selected for this paper by using full account sampling technique. A close-ended questionnaire was constructed and used for data collection. The collected data were coded and statistically analyzed by using SPSS, discussed, interpreted using descriptive analysis. The attitudes of extension officers were measured according to Likert scale. Results showed that the extension officers in Khartoum State had a positive attitude towards organic farming. The results indicated the extension officers were use 62.5% T.V, 65% radio and Internet, and 57.5% extension periodicals as information source. Also 87.5% of extension officers stated that the organic farming can contribute widely in national economy and rural development and 85% confirm that Sudan in need for organic farming. Result of Likert scale measurement showed that extension officers have a positive attitude towards all parameter measured. The results of correlation coefficient depicted that the relationship between some parameter measured showed positive moderate (r= .255), (r=.359*), and (r=.302). It can be concluded that organic farming in the study area is well accepted by extension officers and promised. The study recommended that the government has to play an important role to support organic farming through policy development and to support research. The extension officers should be subjected to frequent training programs in organic farming.