Designing a Representation Model for the New Agricultural Extension System of Iran: The Use of Grounded Theory

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Agricultural Extension, communication and rural development department, Agricultural Faculty, Zanjan University, Iran, Zanjan.

2 Department of َAgricaltural extension and education, Agricultural College, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran

3 Institute of Agricultural Education and Extension, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran

Abstract

Agricultural extension system needs continuous modification, transformation and improvement, to respond to the changing needs of the farmers’ community. Accordingly, the main purpose of this quantitative research was to designing an representation model for the new agricultural extension system of Iran, using grounded theory. Employing purposive sampling, snowball technique and theoretical saturation criteria, 31 participants, including faculty members, managers, and relevant experts of Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), were selected as sample. The collected data were analyzed by using Maxqda12 software and during the three stages of open, axial and selective coding. Also, in order to increase the validity and reliability of qualitative data, the triangulation technique was used. Accordingly, “human resources, structure-planning, functional, infrastructure, financial resources, evaluation system and goals, policy and policy making” as causal condition; “economic-social and cultural structure of the agricultural sector and rural community, stakeholders, inherent characteristics of the agricultural sector and macro policy and conditions of the country” as contextual condition; and “inherent nature of agricultural extension activities and multiplicity of roles and duties” as interfering conditions, were identified as perceived by the respondents. Also, the improvement strategies included an efficient system for monitoring, assessment and effectiveness evaluation of activities, sustainable financial resources, transformation in the structure, processes and functions, knowledge management development, human capital development and appropriate policy making and planning; It is expected that this model will lead to positive consequences including: increasing the penetration of knowledge and technology, social capital development, suitability of extension services with the real needs of the stakeholders, justice-oriented, demand-oriented and improving the effectiveness and responsiveness of the agricultural extension system and finally, improving productivity and sustainability of the agricultural sector.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Extended Abstract

Objectives

Agricultural extension system plays a crucial role in disseminating knowledge, empowering farmers, driving agricultural development and finally, enhancing the food and nutritional security of society and sustainable agriculture. But Agricultural extension systems are facing many structural and functional challenges such as inadequate motivation and funds, limited resources, insufficient training for the extension agents, poor coordination within other stakeholders of innovation system, inefficient approaches, models and methods Etc. Therefore, these systems need continuous modification, transformation and improvement, to respond to the changing needs. The “new agricultural extension system plan”, is the most important activity in Iran's agricultural extension system in the last decade, which was designed and implemented since 2015 to better respond to the problems of farmers. Accordingly, the main purpose of this quantitative research was to designing an representation model for the new agricultural extension system of Iran, using grounded theory.

 

 

Methods

The present study used qualitative research methodology. To achieve the research goal, the qualitative method of Grounded theory based on a systematic approach (Strauss and Corbin), including the three main stages of open coding, axial coding, and selective coding, has been used. Data was collected through in-depth interviews. Employing purposive sampling, snowball technique and theoretical saturation criteria, 31 participants, including faculty members, managers, and relevant experts of agricultural research, education and extension organization, were selected as sample. The collected data were analyzed by using Maxqda12 software. Also, in order to increase the validity and reliability of qualitative data, the triangulation technique was used. The results of the analysis of the data obtained from the interviews, during the coding processes, led to the formation of the final model. Based on the systematic approach in Grounded theory, the identified codes were divided into 6 core categories including causal conditions, central phenomenon, contextual conditions, interfering factors, strategies and outcomes.

 

Results

According to the fining of the study, “human resources, structure-planning, functional, infrastructure, financial resources, evaluation system and goals, policy and policy making” as causal condition; “low effectiveness of extension services in response to farmers' needs, lack of effective communication with the non-governmental sector and weakness in the knowledge management system” as central phenomenon; “economic-social and cultural structure of the agricultural sector and rural community, stakeholders, inherent characteristics of the agricultural sector and macro policy and conditions of the country” as contextual condition; and “inherent nature of agricultural extension activities and multiplicity of roles and duties” as interfering conditions, were identified as perceived by the respondents. Also, the improvement strategies included an efficient system for monitoring, assessment and effectiveness evaluation of activities, sustainable financial resources, transformation in the structure, processes and functions, knowledge management development, human capital development and appropriate policy making and planning.

 

Discussion

According to the final model and implementation of suggested improvement strategies, it is expected that this model will lead to positive consequences including: increasing the penetration of knowledge and technology in the agricultural sector, social capital development, suitability of extension services with the real needs of the stakeholders, justice-oriented, demand-oriented and improving the effectiveness and responsiveness of the new agricultural extension system in Iran and finally, this improved system can promoting productivity, sustainability and other important goal of the agricultural sector.

References

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Iranian Journal of Agricultural Economics and Development Research
Volume 55, Issue 4
February 2025
Pages 699-718

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