A model of essential actions influencing extension agents' participation in a program identified four primary motivating factors: (1) clarity of program participation; (2) availability of resources; (3) freedom of choice; and (4) relevance to job description or work plan. (SK)

A Nigerian study compared 141 male and 72 female farmers supervised by male extension agents and 22 male and 93 female farmers supervised by female agents. Women supervised by female agents had more access to extension services, higher knowledge, and greater satisfaction than women working with male agents. (SK)

Three intervention models to reduce hazards and risks of farm work were tested: self-audit (n=73), youth safety and health program (n=64), and a community coalition for safety and health (n=17). Despite some difficulties, university researchers and agents did accomplish the primary goal: scientific evaluation of models of safety education. (SK)

Data from 65 extension stakeholders engaged in forestry-related activities showed that communication barriers existed between university faculty and stakeholders. Stakeholders were not getting the information they needed, extension agents generally lacked appropriate content knowledge, and printed communications were ineffective or too technical.…

This paper is an interpretation by researchers of oral and written accounts of ten development agents who have participated in various seminars and discussions since 2001, organized by researchers of INRA and of the University of Toulouse. According to the transcripts of lectures, discussions and articles written by development agents, it seems…

Job satisfaction factors related to motivation of a random sample of 325 agents in Kenya's extension service in the Rift Valley Province were identified. Data were collected using a group-administered, closed-ended, forced-choice questionnaire with 105 job satisfaction, 10 motivational, and 10 personal characteristics items between January and…

Beginning with the 4-H professional research and knowledge base in 1986, to the recent launch of an online master's degree in youth development by the GP-IDEA consortium of land-grant universities in 2003, to the implementation of the U.S. Department of Labor's certificate in youth development, youth development is now recognized as a district…

Volunteers play an important role in the activities of the Extension Service. The number of volunteers is increasing, as are the types of jobs they do. However, there are some typical problems in Extension volunteerism. A survey of county Extension agents identified the following problems related to management of Extension volunteers: lack of…

While volunteers are important for Cooperative Extension Services, Extension agents encounter problems in the training of volunteers, the supervision of volunteers, and the completion of reports on volunteers. The use of middle management level volunteer coordinators can alleviate these problems. Extension agents can train their best volunteers as…

Extension leadership articulated several broad goals for the use of microcomputers within cooperative extension. These included providing information, service to clients, office automation, and enhancement of the educational process. A questionnaire was administered regarding microcomputer use within Washington State University County Cooperative…

This study focuses on problems involved in helping the poor, who seldom seek the information, receive messages through mass media. This study shows that often the message sent to the poor through mass media is understood primarily by the sender and not by the poor. (Author)

A study was conducted to identify and verify the professional competencies needed by extension agents in Florida. Closed form opinionnaires were used to survey 254 extension agents and fifteen state staff members concerning 158 competencies. Among the findings was that state staff members rated all competency categories higher than did incumbent…

Intended to be used in conjunction with the Project EFFECT (Energy for the Future--Education, Conservation, Training) Curriculum Guide for Training Energy Extension Agents (available in ERIC as CE 025 100-103), this volume contains supplementary materials and full references to all outside resources used in teaching the modules. Samples of…

IN AN EFFORT TO RESOLVE THE DEBATE OF STAFF-TO-FAMILY VS STAFF-TO-MASS RELATIONSHIPS IN FARM EXTENSION WORK, THE 1954 FEDERAL EXTENSION APPROPRIATION BILL AUTHORIZED INCEPTION OF A PERSONAL CONTACT, FAMILY UNIT APPROACH CALLED FARM AND HOME DEVELOPMENT (FHD). THE FHD AGENT WORKED WITH THE FARMER AND HIS WIFE IN AN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM WHICH…

A survey study to determine why Missouri Extension Youth Agents resigned or changed positions within the Extension Division revealed that while no single factor was responsible, there were a number of factors or reasons why this occurred. Among them were the following: (1) poor understanding of the duties and responsibilities of a youth agent at…