International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Muhammad Fayek Saber, Maher Saleh Suleiman and Shadia Al-Amin Abbas

abstract
This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the extension training programs implemented in the governorates of the northern region of Iraq during the period (2017-2022), by identifying the level of farmers’ benefit from training activities, and the extent to which it reflects on the development of their agricultural knowledge and skills. The study relied on a social survey approach using a questionnaire distributed to a sample of farmers who participated in extension training courses. The results showed that the training programs contributed to a moderate to high degree in raising farmers’ knowledge about agricultural production techniques, especially in the areas of pest control, water resources management, And improve productivity. The results also showed that there were significant differences between the governorates included in the research in terms of the level of benefit, due to the difference in the level of extension infrastructure and the availability of specialized cadres. The research concluded that the weakness of field follow-up after the end of the courses, and the lack of adaptation of programs to local needs, are among the most prominent Obstacles that limit the full impact of training. The study recommended the need to intensify ongoing training programs and link them to the agricultural reality of farmers, while strengthening the role of agricultural extension workers in providing field consultations, thus contributing to achieving sustainable agricultural development in the northern region of Iraq.