Ranking Extension and Training Methods Used in Climate Change Adaptation Programs from the Perspective of Farmers and Agricultural Experts: Application of Promethee Method

In order to identify the most effective educational-promotion methods, this study evaluated different extension training methods in climate change adaptation programs using different criteria. For this purpose, individual, group, and mass extension training methods consisting of 26 options were evaluated through six criteria of effectiveness, efficiency, acceptance, participation, gender fit and usefulness, and 12 sub-criteria through multi-criteria decision-making technique of PROMETHEE. Samples were selected using purposive sampling and included extension and education experts from Ministry of Agriculture Jihad (6 persons), extension and education experts from Jihad-Agricultural Organization of Fars Province (10 persons) and farmers of Fars Province (10 persons). Based on the findings of the study, the sub criteria of usefulness in behavior change has the highest weight percent and importance. Also the results of ranking of extension training methods showed that in terms of farmers and agricultural experts, among the individual methods of meeting with eminent farmer and meeting with experts and extension agents were higher. In addition, among the group-based training methods, specialized training workshops have been effective extension training techniques to improve adaptation to climate change. In addition, mass media, especially radio and television, have been most effective methods of mass training methods in adaptation training.