Analysis of the Digital Skill Gap of Agricultural Extension Personnel in South-East, Nigeria

The study analysed the digital skill gap of agricultural extension personnel on the use of digital technologies for extension services delivery in South-East, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to describe the socioeconomic characteristics of agricultural extension personnel in South-East Nigeria and identify the digital skill gaps among agricultural extension personnel in the area of study. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 364 Agricultural Extension personnel for the study. Data were collected through the use of structured questionnaire and were analysed using simple descriptive statistical tools such as percentages, mean score, and standard deviation. Findings indicated that most of the personnel were male (57.8%), within the age bracket of 38 - 47 years (62.9%), had B.Sc./HND as their highest educational qualification (74.7%), married (86.3%), and had a household size of 6 - 10 Persons (57.7%). It was further revealed that the majority (70.1%) were members of professional organization, earned a monthly income of N50,001.00 - N100,000.00 (65.7%), had a work experience of 11 - 15 years (51.1%), and owned a smartphone/ iPad/laptop (91.5%). Findings further indicated that they had moderate skill gap in Basic Computer skills (Mean = 4.32), and digital communication and collaboration skills (Mean = 4.26). Findings also showed that they had a high skill gap in digital technical skills (Mean = 2.46), digital data analysis skills (Mean = 2.09), digital content creation skills (Mean = 2.43), digital ethical skills (Mean = 2.79), multimedia production skills (Mean = 2.81), and video library management skills (Mean = 2.39). The study concluded that though there exists a high digital skill gap among agricultural extension personnel in South-East, Nigeria, their socioeconomic characteristics are capable of supporting the implementation of digital extension services in the area. The study recommended that the management of Agricultural Development Programs in South-East, Nigeria, should provide digital training for extension personnel to close the digital skill gap that currently exists among the personnel.

Comparative Study of the Socioeconomic Characteristics and Digital Literacy Level of Agricultural Extension Personnel in Imo and Ebonyi States, South-East, Nigeria

The study comparatively analysed the socioeconomic characteristics and digital literacy level of Agricultural Extension personnel (AEP) in Ebonyi and Imo States, South-East, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to describe the socioeconomic characteristics of agricultural extension personnel in Ebonyi and Imo States, and to ascertain the digital literacy level of AEP in the studied states. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 312 Agricultural Extension personnel (132 from Ebonyi State Agricultural Development Program and 180 from Imo State Agricultural Development Program) for the study. Data were collected through the use of validated and structured questionnaire, and administered through the help of well-trained enumerators. Data were analysed using simple descriptive statistical tools such as percentages mean score, standard deviation and weighted mean. Findings indicated that they were more male in the both States (55.3% and 57.8%) for Ebonyi and Imo State respectively and that the average age of AEP in Ebonyi and Imo States were 44.7 years and 49.2 years respectively. It was further revealed that the majority (77.3% and 82.8%) had B.Sc./HND as their highest academic qualifications, belonged to professional organisations (62.1% and 75%), and were earning an average monthly income of N58,798 and N62,648 for Ebonyi and Imo State respectively. Also, it was revealed that their mean years of service were 12.4 years and 13.4 years for Ebonyi and Imo State respectively. Almost all of them (87.9% and 95.0%) own a smartphone, had access to the internet (80.3% and 90.0%), but do not own a laptop/ipad (82.6% and 72.8%) for Ebon-yi and Imo State respectively. Results further revealed that Agricultural extension personnel in both Ebonyi and Imo State respectively had low digital literacy level ( = 2.41 and 2.32). The study concluded that AEP in Ebonyi and Imo State respectively had similar socioeconomic characteristics and low level of digital literacy. The study recommended that the management of ADPs in both Ebonyi and Imo State should ensure the training of AEP in digital skills to enhance their digital literacy level to enable them use digital technologies in their work.

Present Situation of Rural Regional Development and Agricultural Extension Policy

The formulation of agricultural extension policy and the development of rural regional economy present the relationship of mutual existence,mutual influence and mutual promotion.Therefore,it is necessary to study the agricultural extension policy according to the current situation of rural regional development.Agricultural technology extension system is an organization set up at county and township levels to provide farmers with scientific research achievements and practical technical services on planting,animal husbandry,fishery,forestry,agricultural machinery and water conservancy,and it is an important carrier for implementing the strategy of developing agriculture through science and technology.On the basis of expounding the value and significance of rural regional economic development,this paper analyzes the problems existing in China s rural regional development from the aspects of rural infrastructure and public services,rural labor force s cultural and scientific level,rural grass-roots extension system,etc.,and puts forward corresponding measures against the problems.This study has certain theoretical reference value for promoting the all-round development of China s rural economy and realizing the great strategy of rural revitalization in China.

Agricultural Extension in Balochistan, Pakistan:Date Palm Farmers' Access and Satisfaction

This study analyzed information gathered from 200 date palm households in the mountainous Panjgur District of Balochistan in Pakistan with the aim of determining date farmers＇ access to and satisfaction with agricultural extension services. Information was collected through a structured questionnaire survey, group discussions and semi- structured personal interviews. The findings of the analysis revealed very poor access to extension services. The results of logistic regression analysis identified five variables out of six which significantly influence date farmers＇ access to extension services： household bead＇s age, household bead＇s literacy, number of date palm trees owned, mostly inherited date palm trees, and percentage of dead date palm trees. The overwhelming majority of farmers were dissatisfied with all three main types of extension services being provided by public extension officials. Explanations for this as well as for associations between access to extension services and the six independent variables are provided. Important policy conclusions are drawn based on the findings.

A Study of Agricultural Technology Extension and Synchronous Development of Agricultural Modernization,Urbanization and Industrialization in China

Through the study of relationship between agricultural technology extension and the development of agricultural modernization,urbanization and industrialization,it is found that agricultural technology extension is an important means to achieve synchronous development of agricultural modernization,urbanization and industrialization. Based on the sample data in China during 1978-2011,we perform the empirical analysis using VAR model and cointegration analysis and impulse response methods. The results show that there is a long-term positive equilibrium relationship between agricultural technology extension and the development of agricultural modernization,urbanization and industrialization,and agricultural technology extension plays a role in promoting agricultural modernization,urbanization and industrialization to varying degrees. Finally,it is concluded that there is a need to establish efficient agricultural technology extension mechanism and diversified agricultural technology extension investment mechanism to make agricultural technology extension better promote China's agricultural modernization,urbanization and industrialization.

Investigation and Improvement of Grass-roots Agricultural Extension System in Yichang City

Through a questionnaire survey, the working status, payment and ideological conditions of 166 grassroots agro-technicians were studied and analyzed. As is indicated by the results, the technicians are generally paid with low wages, and lack enthusiasm and initiative in jobs, and most of them take a second job. After an exposure of the existing problems in the grassroots agricultural extension system in Yichang, some suggestions were proposed for improving the agricultural extension system in the new era.

Demonstration and Radiation Extension mode of Agricultural Technology——A Case of the Science and Technology Project of High Yield in Hebei Province

Firstly,relying on the science and technology project of high yield in Hebei Province,connotation of agricultural technology demonstration and extension mode and the high yield grain project in Hebei Province is introduced.Extension mode of agricultural technology demonstration and radiation is constructed.Agricultural technology demonstration and radiation mode includes the radiation center,primary irradiation and secondary irradiation.Secondly,management system and operational mechanism of agricultural technology demonstration and radiation mode are discussed,mainly expressed in establishing leading group in each demonstration county(city),carrying out leader contract responsibility system,establishing expert advisor steering group and setting up core experts group for subject,establishing technical experts group for subject,setting up leading group in the radiation area,carrying out chief expert responsibility system and technician matrix responsibility system,establishing the operating mechanism of "open,flow,competition and collaboration" with "test area-expert two-way selection" as the core content.Finally,countermeasures to improve the agricultural technology demonstration and radiation mode is put forward,such as establishing the rural technology demonstration base,strengthening cooperation with enterprises,and adopting flexible technical training,so as to promote the spread of agricultural high-tech,to increase the contribution rate of agricultural technology,and to offer ideas for agricultural technology extension model at the new era.

Literature Review of Agricultural Technology Extension

Agriculture,as the primary industry,is the foundation of national economy.Agricultural development directly influences political,economic,and cultural construction of a state.Agricultural technology is a key factor restricting agricultural development.How to implement the agricultural technology innovation,agricultural technology extension becomes particularly important.In this literature review,current situation of agricultural technology extension was elaborated.Besides,current research situation and fields of agricultural technology extension were discussed.In the literature collected,researches about agricultural technology extension mainly included following three aspects:(i)theories of agricultural technology extension;(ii)agricultural technology extension system;(iii)behavior and effects of agricultural technology extension.On the basis of research results of literature,prediction was made for the agricultural technology extension and policy recommendations were put forward for agricultural technology extension works.

The Building of Grass-roots Agricultural Technology Extension System

Based on the survey of 154 farmers in Guiyang City, we analyze the basic situation of building of grass-roots agricultural technology extension system in Guiyang City. Then we point out some problems in the building of grass-roots agricultural technology extension system in Guiyang City: the function of grass-roots agricultural technology extension center weakens; the content of agricultural technology extension is difficult to adapt to farmers' needs for technology; the extension mode of agricultural technology departments does not adapt to the needs of modern agriculture. In order to perfect the building of grass-roots agricultural technology extension system, the countermeasures and recommendations are put forth as follows: strengthening the input of funds, and ensuring that the basic work of public welfare agricultural technology extension is smoothly carried out; innovating upon the system, and improving the function of grass-roots agricultural technology extension center; implementing management on agricultural technology extension personnel's performance, and promoting the extension efficiency; strengthening the building of extension team in rural areas, and cultivating high-quality agricultural technology extension personnel; exploring the advanced service mode to meet farmers' needs.

Determinants of Adoption of Agricultural Extension of Green River Project among Rural Households of Niger Delta, Nigeria

This study analyzed the determinants of adoption of agricultural extension of Green River Project among rural households of Niger Delta, Nigeria. Questionnaire, which was randomly distributed, was used for data collection from 270 direct beneficiaries of the project. Frequency, percentage and multiple regression were used for data analyses. For the beneficiaries, the results indicated a mean age of 48 years, 9 years of formal education, annual net farm income of N115, 681.48 and 2.8 times of monthly contact with Project Extension Officers. The mean adoption status of the project was 56.6%. The relationship between socio-economic characteristics of beneficiaries and adoption status gave an R2 of 0.668. Age, education, farming, experience, farm income and extension contact were significant determinants of adoption. The study recommends improvement in formal education, farm income, extension contact and inclusion of younger farmers as beneficiaries to enhance adoption status.

Analyzing the Roles of Agricultural Extension Agents in Hybrid Rice Technology Decision-Making Process of Farmers

The study determined the roles of agricultural extension in hybrid rice technology decision-making process by extension agents,Nay Pyi Taw,Myanmar.The specific objectives were:to study personal characteristics of agricultural extension agents,experiences and their roles,to identify extension agents’opinion on hybrid rice technology decision-making process,and to determine relationship between the roles of agricultural extension agents and decision-making process of hybrid rice production.One hundred and eight extension agents were collected who were working in Department of Agriculture,Nay Pyi Taw area and surveyed and interviewed by questionnaires.The study revealed that majority of agricultural extension agents(65.7%)were female staffs and most of extension agents(40.7%)were under 30 years as young staffs.Majority of extension agents(81.5%)were educated only Agri-Diploma.More than half(54.6%)had one to five-year experiences in employment and 58.3%had no hybrid rice training experience and source of information regarding the hybrid rice production was received 63.9%from Department of Agriculture(DOA).Study found that there was highly significant relationship between most of the roles of agricultural extension agents and hybrid rice technology decision-making process of stages 4 and 5.And then most of the extension agents’roles singnificantly related with stage 2 except role of conducting introduction of hybrid seeds and distribution through by Seed Co.Ltds which was highly significant.Beside,most of the roles of extension agents significantly related with stage 3.However stages 1 and 6 were no singnificantly related.Finally above all,a well structure seed business,Good Agricultural Practices and farm level mechanization and quality extension service are very important to increase the adoption of hybrid rice in Myanmar.

Stakeholders’ Participation in Agricultural Farmers’ Extension Services Programmes in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Case of the Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) Programme in Uganda

The paper presents findings from a study carried out to assess the contribution of stakeholders’participation on the performance of the national agricultural farmers’extension services programme in Uganda known as Operation Wealth Creation(OWEC).Specifically,the study sought to establish how participatory planning,budgeting,monitoring and evaluation(M&E)respectively contributed to the performance of OWC in selected district in central Uganda.The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design using both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis techniques and employed both questionnaires and interview guides on key participants in the programme.Findings of the study indicated positive relationships between stakeholders’participation and programme performance with participatory planning,budgeting and M&E all having positive significant effects on the performance of OWC programme.The study concluded that indeed stakeholders’participation contributed to improved performance of the OWC programme.The study recommends increased funding and M&E of the agricultural extension programmes for improved performance.

Participatory Agricultural Extension from the Prospective of Audience-centered Communication Theory

Transformation process to Audience-centered Communication Theory is introduced,as well as the basic idea of the theory in China.It is believed that using Audience-centered Communication theory can help to consolidate the theoretical basis of participatory agricultural extension.The communication essence of agricultural extension activity is studied,which is spreaders send information to farmers;then,farmers filter and process the information,transform it into their own experiences and feed back on time.Internal logical relationship between audience-centered communication and participatory agricultural extension is studied.Effects of Audience-centered Communication Theory on participatory agricultural extension are analyzed.One is that the Audience-centered Communication Theory defines the guidance and implementation basis of agricultural extension activities;the other is that bringing Audience-centered Communication Theory into agricultural extension research can help to expend the agricultural extension.Several enlightenments of the theory to participatory agricultural extension are obtained.Firstly,take audience as the orientation and focus on the needs of the audience.Secondly,advocate the participatory approach of process;and emphasize the importance of internal audience participation.Thirdly,establish two-way interaction mechanism;and make the promoters understand the implementation and performance status on time.Fourthly,develop vernacular knowledge;and better integrate the innovation and practice.

Study on Management System for Agricultural Sci-tech Achievement Transformation Funding Project

Relying on the management system for agricultural sci-tech achievement transformation funding project in Zhejiang Province, on the basis of current situations and demand of agricultural sci-tech achievement transformation funding project management system, we present a B/S-structured and J2EE platform-based system which adopts MVC mode and integrates mainstream open-source frame technologies such as Spring, Struts2, ExtJs, TopLink and FreeMarker, etc. Practice has shown that this system provides an original model for management of sci-tech project application, and various projects can be expanded on this model. With the aid of this system, sci-tech project management personnel can be relieved from trivial manual works, so as to increase working efficiency and improve management level of sci-tech project management.

Several Theoretical Issues on Agricultural Sci-tech Service and Management

In view of particularity and complexity of agricultural sci-tech service and management,this paper presents definition of basic concept of agricultural sci-tech service and management,sums up its basic characteristics,and discusses and analyzes its structural elements and functions. The agricultural sci-tech service and management plays an important role in speeding up rural construction and narrowing the gap between urban and rural areas. It ensures benign cycle of scientific and technological achievements and regional environment,and promotes development of agricultural industrialization.

Current Situations of Agricultural Sci-tech Innovation and Development Path in Nantong

Nantong is a typical region of large population and little land.The conflict between resources and environment is growing.Thus,the improvement of independent innovation ability based on current situations,oriented towards the future and relying on scientific and technological force directly decides the effect of strong economic city construction.Through analysis on achievements of agricultural sci-tech innovation works,existing problems and demand for developing modern agriculture in Nantong,we present development ideas,target orientation and basic principles of agricultural sci-tech innovation works in Nantong,and put forward eight paths.

Review of Researches on Agricultural Industry Chain at Home and Abroad

Management of agricultural industry chain is the main form of modern agricultural industrialization. Integration and optimization of agricultural chain have great significance in deepening the reform in the countryside,quickening the development of agricultural modernization and establishing new system of agricultural management. Based on the theory sources and contents of agricultural chain as well as the current researches at home and abroad,this paper hackles and concludes information technology,logistics management and food safety and quality in foreign agricultural chain as well as the organization model,operation mechanism,integration and optimization,promotion and extension,financing and risk prevention,influencing factors as well as performance evaluation in domestic agricultural chain and offers relevant review in order to provide further reference for future researches.

Assessing performance of “agricultural supermarket docking” supply chain under rural revitalization strategy

The strategy of rural revitalization was put forward in the report of the 19 th National Congress of the Communist Party of China(CPC), and it pointed out that agriculture, rural areas and farmers are fundamental issues related to the national economy and people’s livelihood. To solve the problems of agriculture, countryside and farmers must always be the top priority of the whole party’s work. As an innovative move in the circulation of agricultural products in China, agricultural supermarket docking has been an important agricultural policy of the government since the trial operation in 20018, and has attracted the attention of all sectors of society. In the long-term development, China’s agricultural supermarket docking work in the actual operation process exposed a lot of drawbacks, seriously affecting the final effect of agricultural supermarket docking, affecting the income of farmers. Therefore, under the background of rural revitalization strategy, in order to further improve the income of farmers and improve the quality of life of farmers, it is urgent to discuss the present situation of 'agricultural supermarket docking' in our country. In this paper, by studying the operation of the agricultural supermarket docking supply chain, the matter element extension analysis model is established, and on the basis of the example analysis, the feasible performance improvement measures of the agricultural supermarket docking supply chain are put forward. It provides reference and experience for other areas of our country to improve the work of agricultural supermarket docking, seek welfare and promote development for farmers.

Factors Influencing the Success of Agricultural Information System （AIS）： A Factor Analysis

This study aims at investigating the AIS （Agricultural Information System） in Hamedan province, Iran, benefiting from the list of criteria for well functioning AISs that were identified in earlier researches. For this purpose, a survey method with multi-stage stratified random sampling technique was used to select 31 agricultural researchers, and 62 extension workers in the province. The data were acquired by questionnaire and structured interviews. The instrument for data collection was subjected to pre-testing, validation and reliability tests. The results of the factor analysis revealed that the criteria could be categorized into four overarching groups based on their inter-correlation. The analysis of mentioned criteria in Hamedan province AIS showed less efficiency and effectiveness than studies conducted in other areas. But among these, two desirable criteria existed. It is recommended that the ecological knowledge system （EKS） should be integrated with AIS, and some ecological and sustainable development criteria should be added to the existing ones.

Survey Analysis on Performance of Village Extension Workers in Beijing

To accelerate the improvement in construction of grass-roots agricultural sci-tech service system, establish the Village Extension Worker (VEW) service team, and satisfy increasing demand of Beijing's farmers for agricultural sci-tech services, Beijing Municipal Bureau of Agriculture selected and trained 500 village-level agricultural technicians to provide agricultural technical services in August 2010. We carried out an interview and questionnaire survey for the first 296 VEWs, and analyzed their basic information, to find out their current service situations, technical training and demand, as well as difficulties in the course of providing services. On the basis of these, we put forward our recommendations on improving the VEW construction.