Developing Indicators for Farmers’ Satisfaction with Extension Services in Iran Utilizing Delphi Technique

Document Type : Original Research

Authors
A. Zare
M. Chizari
H. Sadighi
S. Choobchian
Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, College of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran.
Abstract
The lack of accountability of government organizations to address the needs of stakeholders and the private sector and the provision of low-quality services to clients has increased dissatisfaction with government services. Therefore, providing quality services is essential to increase satisfaction with government organizations. Extension services are one of the main components of sustainable agriculture development in Iran and are provided to farmers through the Agricultural Research, Education, and Extension Organization (AREEO). Considering the low level of farmers' satisfaction with extension services, development of a system for assessing farmers' satisfaction as a strategic project has been emphasized. This study was conducted to develop the components of farmers' satisfaction with extension services and determine the factors affecting their satisfaction, in 2019. In this study, the classic Delphi method was used during three rounds. The expert panel consisted of nine university faculty members, 14 faculty members of AREEO, and 19 headquarters extension experts (n= 42). Delphi results led to the selection of 37 components to assess the satisfaction of farmers with the extension services. These components were classified using the constant comparative method in four main factors. These factors include technical and professional features of the extension experts, service quality, perceived effectiveness, and policy, management, and planning.

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Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology
Volume 22, Issue 5
July and August 2020
Pages 1191-1204