The Perceptions of Extension Agents and Researchers Concerning the Effectiveness of Joint Extension-Research Plans in Lorestan and Kermanshah Provinces Iran

摘要

In order to improve the agricultural extension system of a country it is essential to link research units and extension activities. In this regard, one of the approaches, which are currently being carried out in Iran, is a joint research-extension plan (JREP). These plans were originally initiated in 1998 with the following objectives: 1) to establish linkages between the extension and research systems; 2) to provide extension agents and researchers with pertinent research findings; and 3) to adapt joint plans to actual on-farm conditions. The research method used in this study was a descriptive and analytic survey utilizing correlation, descriptive, and comparative analysis as the data processing methods. A questionnaire with 74 forced-choice and two open-ended questions was utilized. The findings of this study indicate that joint plans are more readily adapted to working with larger farmers than with smaller-scale farmers. The results also revealed that joint plans were useful in promoting collaboration between extension workers and researchers.