Extension Agents’ Perceptions of the Role of Extension Services in Organic Agriculture: A Case Study from Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Extension services (ES) play a crucial role in addressing the various needs of organic farmers and little is known about the extension agents’ (EA’s) perceptions of organic agriculture and the role of ES in organic agriculture. This study investigated EA’s perceptions of the role of ES in organic agriculture. Data were collected via a questionnaire, which was sent electronically to all enlisted extension agents in Riyadh Region, Saudi Arabia. In total, 69 extension agents completed the questionnaire, representing a 54% response rate. Overall, extension agents had slightly positive attitudes toward organic farming but were unsure about their role and participation in this. Furthermore, their perceptions of the role of ES in organic agriculture significantly varied according to their age, work experience in organic agriculture, and education level. These findings have implications for the design of future training programs for the professional development of extension agents and will enable planners, policy makers, and related ministries to devise viable and workable policies and plans that truly reflect the concerns and challenges of extension agents and consider the skills of extension agents that need to be improved. This research will also have positive implications for the national organic agriculture policy, as it provides research-based information on the actual players in the farming systems of Saudi Arabia.

Adoption of Sustainable Water Management Practices among Farmers in Saudi Arabia

“…One explanation could be that Saudi agricultural extension services are inactive in providing effective services, particularly in the field of soil and water conservation, or they use inactive extension methods. This conclusion is supported by the findings of several studies conducted in Saudi Arabia [66,[81][82][83][84] that confirm the weak role of extension services in changing the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of farmers regarding the adoption of agricultural innovations. This result is in line with the findings of Gebru et al [85], who argue that access to extension services was not statistically significant in explaining the adoption of water harvesting practices by farmers in a semi-arid region of Ethiopia.…”

Influence of Access to Extension Services on Smallholder Farmers’ Use of Certified Seed Potatoes (CSPs) in Kipipiri Sub-County, Kenya

“…As noted by Ragasa and Mazunda [10], in many African countries, extension agents are an essential source of information for farmers and play a key role in convincing farmers to adopt agricultural modernizations. Agricultural extension and advisory services help in promoting rural development and supporting the revolution to modern farming [11]. Through extension services, farmers can solve farmingrelated problems as well as making better farming decisions by the provision of timely information.…”

“…A study on access and the role of extension services [21] revealed that farmers had a low level of participation in the extension services offered. Nonetheless, they had access to highquality extension services.…”

Transformation of the Education System in Agricultural Advisory towards Sustainability—A Case Study in Slovenia

“…Previous research has found slightly or moderately strong positive perceptions of advisors toward sustainable agricultural practices [1,3,9]. However, numerous studies have found slight to moderate competence of advisors in the field of sustainable agriculture [1,14].…”

“…The renewed CAP emphasizes the strengthening of knowledge transfer and highlights the importance of the role of the agricultural advisor in the improvement of agriculture [7]. The important role and significant potential for improving the development of sustainable agriculture is beginning to be seen in agricultural advisory services [3,4,[8][9][10]. The advisory service is included as an important segment in the creation of the agricultural innovation system (AIS).…”