Use of Computer and Internet in Agricultural Extension as perceived by Extension Workers

Subject Areas : Environmental policy and management

Gholamreza  Pezeshkirad ¹ (Associate Professor of Agricultural Extension and Education Department of Tarbiat Modares University, Peykanshahr, Tehran, Iran.)
Zahra  Hajihashemi ² (PhD. Student of Bu Ali Sina University, Hamedan.)
Mohhamad  Chizari ³ (Professor of Agricultural Extension and Education Department of Tarbiat Modares University, Peykanshahr, Tehran, Iran)

Received: 2013-11-07 Accepted : 2014-05-31 Published : 2014-12-01

Keywords: Information Technology, Internet, agriculture, Extension, Applications,

Abstract :

The purpose of this study was to determine computer and Internet use in agricultural extension by Extension Workers (EWs). This study used a descriptive-correlational design.Population for the study consisted of all extension workers (N= 320) in Isfahan Province, Iran. A stratified sampling technique and census was used to select EWs (n = 200). Overall, findings indicate that EWs have access to computers both at work and home. On average, they use computers approximately 6 – 8 hours per week and majority of them use the Internet on average of 1 – 4 hours per week. A majority of them reported “fair to high level” of skills in computer usage. For example, writing CDs, word processing, using computers for file management, and basic computer skills. However, extension agent’s report “no to a low level” of skills relative to using excel, installing software, power point and micro soft access, Photoshop, statistical software, were the skills that EWs did not have. It was proved necessary to conduct a systematic assessment of training needs relative to computer and Internet use. Systematic training should be conducted in the areas that Extension Workers perceived to be less skill.

References:

1- Ahmadpour, A., & Mirdamadi, M. (2010). Determining challenges in the application of e-learning in Agricultural Extension Services in Iran. American- Eurasian Journal of Agriculture and Environmental Science, 9(3), 292-296.

2- Akpabio, I. A. (2007). Agricultural extension officials and utilization of information and communication technologies in the Niger Delta, Nigeria [Abstract], Retrieved 2008, January 25 from http://jesonline.org/current.htm.

3- Badragheh, A., Chizari, M., Hosseini, J.F., & Daneshfard, K.A. (2010). Challenges and necessary applying of Management Information System (MIS) in Agricultural Education and Extension System of Iran. American- Eurasian Journal. Agriculture and Environmental Science, 8(5), 561-569. Retrieved from: http://www.idosi.org/aejaes/jaes8(5)/14.pdf.

4- Bheenick, K. J., Brizmohum, R. (1998), November. The scope of information technology applications in agricultural extension in Mauritius. Paper presented at the Third Annual Meeting of Agricultural Scientists, Leduil, Mauritius. Retrieved 2008, February 12, from http://www.uom.ac.mu/faculties/fao/AIS/AMAs98/Index.htm.

5- Chieochan, O., Lindley, D., & Dunn, T. (2000). Factors affecting the use of Information technology in Thai agricultural cooperatives: a work in progress. The Electronic Journal of Information Systems in Developing Countries, 2(1), 1-15.

6- Fallah Haghighi, N. (2006). An Analysis of Factors Influenced in the Use of IT in Agricultural Extension, Gilan Province, Iran. Unpublished master's thesis, University of Tehran, Iran.

7- Fami, H. S. (2006). Enhancement of Extension Systems in Agriculture-Asian Productivity Organization, Tokyo, 5, 116-125, Retrieved 2008, January 10, from http://www.apo-tokyo.org/00e-books/AG-16_EnhanceExtSystem/AG-16_EnhanceExtSystem.pdf.

8- Gregg, J. A., Irani, T. A. (2004). Use of information technology by county extension agents of the Florida cooperative extension service. Research in Brief, Retrieved 2008, January 20, from http://www.joe/2004june/rb.shtml.

9- Omidi Najafabadi, M., Hosseini, J. F., & Mirdamadi, M. (2009). A Case Study of Requirements and Challenges of Information and Communication Technology System to Train Private Agricultural Insurance Brokers. American- Eurasian Journal. Agriculture and Environmental Science, 6 (2), 152-159. Retrieved from http://www.idosi.org/aejaes/ jaes6 (2)/5.pdf.

10- Ommani, A. R., Chizari, M. (2006). Use of information technology by extension agents in Khuzestan province of Iran. Paper presented at the Association for International Agricultural and Extension Education (AIAEE). 22th Annual Conference, Clearwater Beach, Retrieved 2008, February 12 from http://www.aiaee.org/2006/index.html.