Opinions of Agricultural Extension Staffs on the Agricultural Extension System: A Case Study of the Central Region

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to explore opinions of agricultural extension staffs on the existing agricultural extension system and to study strengths and weaknesses of agricultural extension in central region. Questionnaire technique was approached for data collection from 48 extension staffs and in-depth interview was used. Descriptive analysis and contents analysis were applied for data analysis. The findings revealed that there are various available and appropriate agricultural extension methods. A top-down approach continues to use. The decentralization of the organizational operation to fit the area is less. Research and education to promote agricultural development is less, and do not match the problem and conduct to not understand up and down cycles of change. Direction of agricultural extension lacks of clarity and continuity. The strength of agricultural extension that affecting the development and success is the number of extension staffs. Then staff development to improve system performance is important, such as, knowledge, technology, approaching techniques and problem solving in agriculture, as well as the decentralization to regional or local areas to make decisions and solve problems by their own. At the same time, improving weaknesses such as tools for working in terms of technology, and budget should be done. In addition, the staffs should be developed, in particular, the availability and motivation to work, and policy should clear and stable.