Educational Need of Agricultural Experts to Implement Precision Agriculture in Guilan, Iran

The purpose of this descriptive-analytical study was to assess the educational needs of Guilan agricultural experts on applying precision agriculture. The statistical population consisted of all experts in different field of agriculture (Agronomy، Horticulture، Extension، Mechanization and Engineering) in Guilan (N=234). The sample size (n=133) was determined by using Bartlett Minimum Sample Size Table for the given population and cluster sampling method was applied to select them. In order to assess these educational needs، a questionnaire based on Borich Needs Model was provided. Data analysis was performed using SPSS21. These educational needs were analyzed and ranked using Mean Weighted Descriptive Scores (MWDS). Results showed that competencies such as geographic information system and variable rate technology were noticed as the most important priorities for education، respectively. However، information technology was in the last rank in the educational needs list. Findings indicated that all competencies were placed at the high level of importance. Findings of Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests revealed that there was no significant difference between men and women، level of education، attending the prior education program، age، experience and organizational position at 0. 05 significant level. Then، there was a contingency on education needs.