The Role of Extension Officers in Delivering Agricultural Services to the Small-Scale Farmers, Gezira State, Sudan

Abstract

This research was carried out in Gezira State, Sudan. The objective of this research is to assess the role of extension officers in transferring agricultural services and innovations to the farmers. Field survey was used to collect the data by using structured questionnaire which designed and pre-tested. Secondary data was collected from books, scientific journals and relevant documents. Based on Steven Samson equation the sample size were 36 extension officers selected by using quota sample technique. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for data analysis depends on descriptive statistics, correlation, and Regression analysis. The findings indicated that the high percentages (47%) of extension officers their experiences between 11 to 15 years and 33% had no training courses. 81% of the respondents had strong-direct links with the farmers, and their source of information of inputs and technical packages was the research centres (75%). The extension officers explained that they had high cost in transferring information to the farmers, required information and more interested partners on the feedback was research institution (83%). Correlation test shown personal characters, business career had significant correlation with the link with the research (.031) the value (R=.359), high significantly correlated between the nature of the relationship with farmers and link with research sig (.001) value of correlation (.534). The results of regression test indicated that the link with research had impact with significant value (.427beat) sig (.049) other partners had no significant. Recommendations: Based on the findings the research recommends: clear direct link for the extension officers with all agricultural partners in order to facilitate the delivery of information to the farmers. Private sector should involve in designing the extension policy and continuing training sessions have to be held to all extension officers.