Relationships Between Extension Workers' Competencies and Job Performance in Implementing the Good Agricultural Practices Programme in Malaysia

This study sought to determine extension workers' competencies that explain job performance in the case of the Good Agriculture Practices (GAP) Scheme at the Department of Agriculture, Malaysia. Specifically, the study determined extension workers' competency levels in clients' capacity development, SALM Standards, social skills and technology transfer process as independent variables. The study also determined the level of extension workers' job performance as a dependent variable. The study employed stratified random sampling technique. Samples are chosen using a proportional sample allocation. The sample consisted of 21 0 extension workers from the Department of Agriculture in four states of Malaysia, namely Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Kelantan and 10hor. Data were collected using a self administered questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis. Results indicated that more than half of extension workers rated their level of job performance as high. A majority of respondents also rated their competency on leadership development, problem solving and decision making development, social skills, and technology transfer process skills as high. More than half of the respondents indicated high ratings for cultural and SALM program competencies. The finding supported the positive relationship between all competencies and job performance. However, only four competencies were significant in explaining job performance of extension workers. These are competencies on program evaluation, culture of clients, SALM program and social. This study is important as it contributes to the Interdependence Model of Extension by confirming competencies that extension workers need to have in both technical and human development. The findings would also assist policy makers and administrators in increasing the performance of extension workers. The competencies that have been identified in this study can be incorporated into both the pre-service and in-service training of extension workers

Agri-tourism: potential opportunities for farmers an local communities in Malaysia

This article reviewed literature on potential benefits of agri-tourism for farmers and local communities in general. It also provided a review of agri-tourism development, particularly in Malaysia. Reviewing literature indicated that agri-tourism as an economic development instrument has great potential to contribute to rural development. Malaysia is one of the tourist countries with great potential to develop agri-tourism. Agricultural areas in this country have many tourist attractions which can form the basis for relaxation, enjoyment and education of tourist. Although this country has existing base of agri-tourism attractions, its potential for agri-tourism is far greater. It is suggested that to improve the economic, social and environmental situation of rural communities in Malaysia, the department of agriculture as well as universities should give orientation towards agri-tourism by providing some innovative ideas suitable for each region. It is also recommended that tourism industry should make stronger links with agriculture to make agri-tourism continue the tourism trend in Malaysia

Predictors of university students’ intention to participate voluntarily in an urban agriculture program

Urban agriculture has generated significant interest in developing countries to address concerns over food security. While attracting the participation of young people in agriculture has become a major challenge for many countries, few quantitative studies have been carried out on students’ participation in urban agriculture programs. Drawing on the theory of planned behavior, we surveyed 438 undergraduate students from a public university in Malaysia about their intention to join a new urban agriculture program. Hierarchical regression findings indicated that attitude, subjective norms, perceived barriers, and moral norms accounted for 39 percent of the variability in students’ intention to participate in the program beyond the contribution of, family involvement in agriculture, participation in on-campus activities, past volunteer experience, and gender. Attitude, subjective norms, and moral norms appear to be an important target to inspire students volunteering for the program

Extension agents and sustainable cocoa farming: a case study of extension agents in Sabah state, Malaysia

Cocoa has been commercially planted in Malaysia since the 1950s. Over the years, the planting area has gradually reduced, which has resulted in the need to import cocoa beans to sustain the local grindings requirement. The Malaysian Cocoa Board (MCB) has introduced extension programmes to cocoa farmers to encourage sustainable farming of cocoa in the country. This study assessed the perception, knowledge, attitudes, and value of agricultural extension agents towards sustainable cocoa farming in Sabah State, Malaysia. Data were collected from extension agents working for the Malaysian Cocoa Board. A questionnaire was administered to all the front-line extension agents who deal directly with cocoa farmers. Findings revealed that cocoa extension agents’ perception, knowledge, attitudes, and value towards the concept of sustainable cocoa farming is favourable. In fact, they strongly support the concept. A significant relationship exists between knowledge on Sustainable Cocoa Farming (SCF) and their attitude towards the concept (r = 0.465). Perception also significantly correlates with the attitude of the agents (r = 0.425). The study concluded that policymakers should include SCF in training. Extension agents’ positive perceptions regarding selected sustainable cocoa farming have implications for in-service training for agricultural extension agents in the east of Malaysia to increase their specific knowledge in SCF. In addition, although cocoa extension agents possess general knowledge on the concept, further training on the application of SCF is highly recommended

Relationship between technical competency and extensionists' job performance

This study was to determine the relationship between technical competency and extensionists’ job performance in relation to Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) among Malaysian extensionists at Department of Agriculture (DOA). The study employed stratified random sampling technique. Samples are chosen with a technique called proportional sample allocation. The sample consisted of 210 extensionists from Department of Agriculture in four states of Malaysia. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis. The findings support the positive relationship between technical competency and job performance. Finding would help policy makers and extension managers to focus on development of competent extensionists as the whole extension process is depend on extensionists to transfer GAP to the clients. Competency identified in this study could be incorporated into in-service training as well

Organic farming and sustainable agriculture in Malaysia: organic farmers' challenges towards adoption

Agriculture in Malaysia is characterised by high levels of fertiliser and manure applications and consequently environmental pollution. Sustainable agriculture and organic farming are being promoted by the government as a way of eliminating unsustainable agriculture. Despite the benefits that organic farming brings to farmers and environments, its adoption rate is still low among Malaysian farmers. A study of organic farmers in the Cameron Highlands was conducted to reveal the challenges that have been occurred with regard to adoption of the practice. The results indicate that organic farmers face challenges with regard to land tenure, certification processes, hiring foreign workers, marketing, training and extension services and governmental support. Issues and challenges were discussed. The paper concludes with some recommendations

Teaching method competencies used by extensionists in transferring the good agricultural practices to Malaysian farmers

The purpose of this study is to determine level of teaching method competency and extensionists’ job performance. Furthermore this study aimed to determine relationship between teaching method competencies and extensionists’ job performance in relation to the Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) among Malaysian extensionists at the Department of Agriculture (DOA). This study focused on extensionists transferring the GAP to the farmers using variety of extension teaching methods. The study employed stratified random sampling technique. Samples are chosen with a technique called proportional sample allocation. The sample consisted of 210 extensionists from the Department of Agriculture in four states of Malaysia. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis. Extensiosists reported high level of teaching methods competency and job performance. The findings supported a positive relationship between teaching method competencies and job performance

Relationship between human development competencies and work performance

This research investigates the relationship between human development competencies in terms of leadership development and problem solving/ decision making development and work performance among Malaysian extension workers at the department of agriculture with the emphasis of having human development competencies in order to perform the extension work well. Stratified random sampling technique employed to select 210 extension workers from the department of agriculture in four states of Malaysia. A structured research instrument was utilized to survey extension workers' human development competencies and work performance. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis. Extension workers reported high level of leadership development competency and problem solving/decision making development competency. The findings supported a positive relationship between human development competencies and work performance

Knowledge and perception of extension workers on sustainable agricultural practices

Due to the expansion of crop productions there has been an increase in the fertilizers’ use by farmers in Malaysia. Recently Sustainable Agricultural Practices (SAP) is gaining attention within agricultural sector. The Department of Agriculture facilitates regular delivery of SAP knowledge to farmers through extension workers. However extension workers’ perceptions and knowledge on SAP is not known well in Malaysia. A survey of extension workers was conducted in peninsular Malaysia to identify their perceptions and knowledge about SAP and determine the extent to which extension workers communicate SAP to the farmers. A descriptive research design was used to collect data from 400 extension workers. Results suggest extension workers’ perceptions and knowledge of SAP are favorable. Extension workers indicated that they communicate SAP information to the farmers. Further investigation from farmers’ perspectives is required to discover to what extent extension plays significant role in promoting adoption of the program

Students’ intention to participate in urban agriculture program in Malaysia

Recently, urban agriculture has been promoted in Malaysia to guarantee sources of food for the nation by 2020. In line with the new food policy, Universiti Putra Malaysia is planning to form a group of long-term student volunteers to train urban residents in implementing urban agriculture. Considering that students’ participation in the program has a significant impact on the marketing of urban agriculture, it is essential to identify students’ intention to participate for such a university program. Data were collected from 438 undergraduate students from the faculty of agriculture using a structured questionnaire. Results indicated that majority of students are intent to participate in the program. In conclusion,the university students’ intention to participate in urban agriculture is at a high level