This study is based on the opinions of selected Iraqi extension workers, regarding the type and amount of training they need, given their experience in the field. The Borich Needs Assessment Model was used for measuring training needs. The data were collected through questionnaires given to 300 respondents (agricultural workers) from January 15, 2016 to March 20, 2016. The results show that crop-planting courses have the greatest benefit. The greatest training need is skill and knowledge of teaching methods, while a moderately needed skill is the use of computer and information and communication technologies (ICT); management skills are the least needed training.

Sustainable agriculture practices are known as the best techniques by which to cultivate crops. To ensure the continuity of such practices, farmers should accept and apply this method on their yield. There is an abundance of international studies which have found that attitude, knowledge and support are the main factors to impinge on the acceptance of sustainable agriculture among farmers, but studies on the same scenario are lacking for Malaysia. Filling this research gap is the main objective of this study, which seeks to elucidate the relationship between attitude, knowledge and support towards the acceptance of sustainable agriculture among contract farmers in Malaysia. This is a quantitative study, and a total of 326 respondents were involved in the data collection process. The data were gained through a developed questionnaire. The resulting analysis proves that there is a significant relationship between contract farmers’ attitudes and their acceptance of sustainable agriculture (r=0.498, p=0.00).Contract farmers’ knowledge and their acceptance of sustainable agriculture are also shown to demonstrate a significant relationship (r= 0.348, 0.00).Additionally, there is support for a significant correlation between knowledge and acceptance of sustainable agriculture (r=0.365, p=0.00). In conclusion, farmers should have positive attitudes and adequate knowledge, and should obtain support from several parties to encourage them to embed sustainable agriculture within their farming practices

The study described the perceived importance of, and proficiency in core agricultural extension competencies among extension workers in Peninsular Malaysia; and evaluating the resultant deficits in the competencies. The Borich's Needs Assessment Model was used to achieve the objectives of the study. A sample of 298 respondents was randomly selected and interviewed using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Thirty-three core competency items were assessed. Instrument validity and reliability were ensured. The cross-sectional data obtained was analysed using SPSS for descriptive statistics including mean weighted discrepancy score (MWDS). Results of the study showed that on a scale of 5, the most important core extension competency items according to respondents' perception were: "Making good use of information and communication technologies/access and use of web-based resources" (M=4.86, SD=0.23); "Conducting needs assessments" (M=4.84, SD=0.16); "organizing extension campaigns" (M=4.82, SD=0.47) and "Managing groups and teamwork" (M=4.81, SD=0.76). In terms of proficiency, the highest competency identified by the respondents was "Conducting farm and home visits (M=3.62, SD=0.82) followed by 'conducting meetings effectively' (M=3.19, SD=0.72); "Conducting focus group discussions" (M=3.16, SD=0.32) and "conducting community forums" (M=3.13, SD=0.64). The discrepancies implying competency deficits were widest in "Acquiring and allocating resources" (MWDS=12.67); use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) and web-based resources in agricultural extension (MWDS=12.59); and report writing and sharing the results and impacts (MWDS=11.92). It is recommended that any intervention aimed at developing the capacity of extension workers in Peninsular Malaysia should prioritize these core competency items in accordance with the deficits established in this study.

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In Malaysia, the government has embarked a diverse and comprehensive development programmes in efforts to develop the life of Orang Asli, the indigenous community in peninsular Malaysia. These programmes include providing budget allocation for houses for the hardcore poor, financial savings scheme, basic amenities and community infrastructure and plantation. Agriculture Land Development Programme (ALDP) was claimed by the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA) as main Department activities in an effort to eradicate poverty among the Orang Asli community. The ALDP is still emphasizing in 10 th Malaysia Plan as the main tool to address the high incidence of poverty among Orang Asli and certain budget was allocated for this programme. One of the factors that can influence the successful rate of development programme is participant's perception. Therefore, the objective of this study is to determine the level of perception of Orang Asli toward ALDP oil palm plantation. This is a quantitative descriptive study whereby data were gathered using a questionnaire. Data was analysed using the SPSS for descriptive and correlation analysis involved 170 respondents. Overall, the finding shows that the level of perception is moderate. Some recommendations were made due to results of study in order to improve the ALDP in future.

Climate change is one of the serious challenges to agricultural extension services that affect farms and farmers in various dimensions. According to Mulder [1], impacts of climate changes should not be ignored for sustainable development. However, the extension service providers are not yet fully sensitized and equipped with techniques to help farmers in managing agricultural risks through immediate and low cost solutions. In Malaysia, extension services are offered by public (Department of Agriculture) and private sector. The extension wing of public and private sectors is responsible t o d i s s e m i n a t e u s e f u l i n f o r m a t i o n a n d agricultural technologies among farmers through field level staff. However, extension services are mostly focused on just traditional style of agricultural technology transfer but less attention has been paid on using ICTs for agricultural risk management. As day by day farmers have to face different problems dissimilar to the past so, there is a need to opt digital options for quick solutions and making this sector sustainable. Extension service providers can motivate the farming community to use available digital options for minimizing the risks associated with agricultural sector. These risks can be related with production, price, market, technology, legal, health, and personal [2]. Risk in agricultural sector is related to various factors which leave negative impacts originated from different variables like natural, biological, climatic and input and output prices [3, 4, 5]. Similarly, Wossen et al. [6] highlighted that adoption of technologies were not only alleviating poverty but also increasing income and productivity of farmers. That is why, adoption of technologies would ultimately trigger economic growth along with wide marketing opportunities, reducing poverty at large [6]

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