Identifying Required Competencies for the Agricultural Extension and Education Undergraduates

Authors
R. Movahedi 1
U. J. Nagel 2
1 Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, College of Agriculture, Hamedan Bu Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Islamic Republic of Iran.
2 Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication, College of Agriculture, Berlin Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany.
Abstract
This study aimed at identifying required competencies for the labor market by the graduates majoring in the agricultural extension education field. The study population included undergraduates, faculty members, and employers, as related to bachelor level in three extension and education departments at Bu Ali Sina, Tehran, and Shiraz Universities of Iran. The study has employed both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. The quantitative research method used to collect data consisted of a questionnaire and the qualitative research method was semi-structured interviews. According to results, a combination of skills, mechanisms, supportive and collaborative systems with focus on self employment and entrepreneurship should be considered in order to improve students’ situation for labour market.

Keywords

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Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology
Volume 14, Issue 4
July and August 2012
Pages 727-742