Scientific studies and specialists observations indicate that there is a planning problem in extension organization in Iraq, the basis of it , is that there is no specific method for conducting the extension planning process and the existence of the continuous changes that affects it. This requires studying the problem from all its dimensions in order to get a suitable model for this process.
The provinces of middle region of Iraq have been chosen for representing all the provinces of the country for the purpose of the study. The research sample which was consisted of 152 researchees distributed on three administrative categories, was selected on a stratified random basis. In order to achieve the study objectives, an extension planning model has been built according to the system's theory and introduced to the researchees to take their opinions regarding its importance in Iraq, according to the following stages: First Stage, The researcher prepared a theoretical conception for an extension planning model based on the literature in the administration and extension planning field and the opinions of some specialists. Second Stage, Introducing the proposed extension planning model via a questionnaire to a group consisted of 12 judges and specialized persons in agricultural extension field to take their opinions about the model components , elements major, primet, sub – primet and its proposed items. Third Stage, A pre – test has been carried out on the extension planning model on a group of 22 extension agents and heads of agricultural sections in Diyala province. The proposed questionnaire for the model consisted of four major components inputs, processes, outputs and feedback, 14 major elements, 25 primet elements, 35 sub – primet elements, and 189 items. The questionnaire showed a high reliability and validity, therefore, it was used for collecting the data from the study sample. Fourth Stage, The proposed extension planning model was introduced through a questionnaire to the researchees distributed on 3 administrative categories: high administrative which include 18, middle administrative included 93and executers who are 41, so as to show their extent of approval on the components and elements of the model and its items, according to a six points scales very important, important, middle importance, little importance, very little importance and not important. Which were given 5, 4 , 3 , 2 , 1 and zero degrees, when tolerate and each component, major elements, primet elements, sub – primet elements and items gained 3.50 average or more considered part of the model. The research has been concluded the approval of all components, elements and items of the proposed model. Accordingly, the model was consisted of four components as follows: First: Inputs which included 4 major elements, 17 primet elements, 35 sub – primet elements , and 140 items. second: processes which included 4 major elements, 8 primet elements, 37 items. Third: Outputs which included 3 major elements and 6 items. Fourth: Feedback which included 3 major elements and 6 items. The research has recommended the adoption of the proposed extension planning model by the extension system State Board of Agricultural Extension and Cooperation and subjecting it to application and experiment, in order to determine its effectiveness. And to continue developing awareness and knowledge on the importance of extension planning process on all related persons and organizations since they are considered as the proper scientific base for developing the agricultural extension work and achieving its goals. |