An Investigation of the Competencies Needed by Extension Workers as from the Viewpoints of Agricultural Extension Personnel, Ardabil Province

The main purpose followed in this research work was to investigate the competencies needed by extension workers in Ardabil province. A descriptive- survey method was employed to collect the needed data. The statistical population of the study consisted of all extension personnel of Jihad- Agriculture Organization in Ardabil Province. According to Krejcie& Morgan table، a sample size of 102 was selected using a Stratified Random Sampling Method (n= 102). A questionnaire was designed and used to collect the data. The validity of the questionnaire was established by a panel of experts from the University of Tehran. A pilot study was conducted to verify the reliability of the instrument. Cronach ''s Alpha coefficient for the scale of «importance of the competencies needed by extension workers» was found equal to 0. 77. The results of factor analysis revealed that five factors namely: communicational- teaching competency، personal- professional competency، cognitive- informative competency، research and managerial competancies explained 63. 67% of the total competency variances needed by extension workers in Ardabil province.