Factors affecting the knowledge and perception of agricultural extension agents about climate in Kermanshah Township

Climate change has affected most countries in the world. This phenomenon has also had negative effects on Iran's agricultural sector. Certainly, the knowledge and perception of agricultural extension agents about climate change can be effective in farmers' resilience to this issue. Due to this issue, this descriptive-correlation study was conducted to investigate the knowledge and perception of agricultural extension agents toward climate change and the factors affecting it. The statistical population of the study was all agricultural extension agents in Kermanshah Township (N = 180) from which 118 people were randomly selected as a sample. The validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by panel of experts and Cronbach's alpha coefficient was used in order to assess the reliability of the research tool. Based on the results, the climate change knowledge of the extension agents was acceptable (mean 12.83 out of 20) and four variables of age, information sources, work experience and education had a positive and significant effect on their knowledge. Regression analysis showed that the effect of climate change knowledge on extension agents' perception is positive and significant. The results of this study can raise the sensitivity of agricultural extension planners to the issue of climate change and providing in-service training for agricultural extension agents in this field.