TY - JOUR
T1 - Training needs of extension agents’ regarding organic agriculture in Saudi Arabia
AU - Alotaibi, Bader Alhafi
AU - Yoder, Edgar
AU - Brennan, Mark A.
AU - Kassem, Hazem S.
N1 - Funding Information:
The authors would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the Deanship of Scientific Research, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia , for the funding of this research through the Research Group No. RGP –1440-006.
Funding Information:
The authors would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the Deanship of Scientific Research, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia, for the funding of this research through the Research Group No. RGP ?1440-006.
Publisher Copyright:
© 2019 The Authors
PY - 2019/12
Y1 - 2019/12
N2 - The purpose of this study was to investigate the needs of extension agents for training on organic agriculture (OA) in the Riyadh Region. Fifty-five percent (n = 69) of extension agents were selected to collect data through an electronic survey. Results indicated that extension agents in the Riyadh Region cited on job training as a main source for acquiring knowledge in OA. Agents expressed interest in receiving training in OA in general, OA marketing, and transitioning to OA. The most useful resources were field days at organic farms, OA training sessions at colleges, and attending OA trial plots. There were no differences in the level of interest in training; however, there were significant differences between individuals in terms of their experience in OA, job responsibility for providing information related to OA, and area of specialization in their job. This study recommends developing professional training programs based on the current knowledge of extension agents.
AB - The purpose of this study was to investigate the needs of extension agents for training on organic agriculture (OA) in the Riyadh Region. Fifty-five percent (n = 69) of extension agents were selected to collect data through an electronic survey. Results indicated that extension agents in the Riyadh Region cited on job training as a main source for acquiring knowledge in OA. Agents expressed interest in receiving training in OA in general, OA marketing, and transitioning to OA. The most useful resources were field days at organic farms, OA training sessions at colleges, and attending OA trial plots. There were no differences in the level of interest in training; however, there were significant differences between individuals in terms of their experience in OA, job responsibility for providing information related to OA, and area of specialization in their job. This study recommends developing professional training programs based on the current knowledge of extension agents.
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U2 - 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2019.101711
DO - 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2019.101711
M3 - Article
C2 - 31514112
AN - SCOPUS:85071884475
SN - 0149-7189
VL - 77
JO - Evaluation and Program Planning
JF - Evaluation and Program Planning
M1 - 101711
ER -