THE VIEWPOINT OF THE AGRICULTURAL EXTENSIONISTS IN PRIVATIZATION AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION IN HADRMOUT GOVERNATE.

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate agricultural extension workers’ perceptions of the privatization of agricultural extension services, assess their level of knowledge of the concept and importance of privatization, and examine the relationship between selected personal and professional characteristics and their knowledge of privatization. The study included all agricultural extension workers in Hadhramout Governorate, totaling 111 extension workers. Data from 95 completed questionnaires were analyzed using percentages, the simple correlation coefficient, and the Chi-square (χ²) test. The results indicated that the majority of agricultural extension workers were familiar with the concept of privatization and considered the conservation of productive resources and the maximization of their utilization among its most important benefits. Some respondents also pointed to potential disadvantages of privatization and its impact on agricultural extension work. Furthermore, the findings revealed a significant positive relationship between the respondents’ knowledge of privatization and their age, educational level, and years of experience in agricultural extension, while no significant relationships were found with the other variables examined in the study.