Investigating the Role of Agricultural Extension in the Planning and Policy-Making System of Ministry of Agricultural Jihad

The general purpose of this study was to investigate the role and position of agricultural extension in the planning and policy-making system of the Ministry of Agricultural Jihad in order to achieve an innovative and responsive extension system. Existence of such systems is imperative to improve the production efficiency at operational, peripheral, and policy levels. In this regard, the role of agricultural extension in achieving the macro goals of the Ministry of Agricultural Jihad and designing its policies and strategies has been addressed through this research endeavor. This research is a qualitative study and has been done by qualitative sampling, validation, and data collection/analysis methods. The statistical population consisted of managers and practitioners involved in the planning system of the Ministry of Agricultural Jihad in the executive deputies and Organization for Research, Education and Extension of Agriculture. The selection of samples was carried out using purposeful and non-random sampling approach. In addition, the techniques including interviews, focus group discussions, and documentation were employed to collect the required data. CoefficientS of variation and participatory analysis workshop, brainstorming, analysis method (SWOT) were used for data analysis purpose. Defensive, review, diversification, and offensive strategies respectively ranked first, second, third, and fourth in terms of priority for agricultural extension planning and policy-making. Finally, four basic axes were proposed for role-playing in the scientific and technological system, developing and improving applied research, promoting extensional practices, revising and reorganizing education, accelerating and modifying the structure, and strengthen the dimensions that can be used by policy-makers and decision-makers.