اتجاهات الباحثين و المرشدين الزراعيين في الأردن نحو علاقات الربط بين البحث العلمي و الإرشاد الزراعي

Abstract EN

The study aimed at exploring the perceptions of the researchers and extension agents who work for the Ministry of Agriculture in Jordan towards research-extension linkages and to investigate the relationship between attitudes and selected professional characteristics.

A four-point Likert scale was used as a tool for data collection using a convenient proportional sample of 121 extension agents and researchers.

Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was found to be 0.89, which indicated the internal consistency of the scale.

Parametric and non-parametric tests were used to analyze the data according to approximations of the scale to the normal distribution.

Overall perception of the respondents (82%) towards linkages was found to be moderate or high.

Although extension agents, married respondents, those with long services and who have attended more training appear to have higher perceptions towards linkages (P≤ 0.10).

No significant relationships were observed between perceptions and most of the selected characteristics.

This indicates that perceptions of the respondents were very much alike.

Positive perceptions towards linkages call for an institutional reform to integrate agricultural research and extension activities.

This institutional framework should identify roles in an integrated way that links all stages of technology transfer and be based on well-founded participation principles.