Investigation of the relationship between participation and quality of extension activities in Rural Production Cooperatives (RPCs), Boyer- Ahmad County

Participation in extension activities is one of the main challenges of extension programs planning in a way of rural sustainable development. In this regard، the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between participation and quality of extension activities in Rural Production Cooperatives (RPCs) of Boyer-Ahmad County. Quantitative research method along with descriptive-analytical technique in the form of comparative approach was applied. Statistic population of the study was the 1809 members of RPCs in Boyer-Ahmad County. The sample size (317) was determined by using the sample size table given by Patten. Stratified random sampling was used to select the participants. Face-to-face interviews were used to collect data with the aid of questionnaire containing open and closed questions. A panel of experts confirmed the face validity of the questionnaire. The KMO coefficient (0. 809 to 0. 834) and Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient (0. 830 to 0. 910) confirmed the validity and reliability of the instrument. Findings revealed that participation of the members in extension activities of RPCs was at moderate and low level. Furthermore، findings of one-way ANOVA showed that the RPCs were significantly different with regard to participation of members. Also، Person correlation coefficient showed significant correlation between members'' participation and quality of extension programs at RPCs. Furthermore، regression analysis showed that among the variables postulated in the model; level of information about cooperative''s law، quality of extension activities، and age together were able to explain 53. 5 percent of variability in the participation of the RPCs'' members.