THE EXTENSION NEEDS OF SAHL ALTINA’S FARMERS RELEVANT TO THE INTEGRATED FARM MANAGEMENT IN HIGHLY SALINE SOIL

Abstract

This study aimed at 1) identify level of both famers’ knowledge and practices relevant to the integrated farm management in Sahl Altina as highly saline soil, 2) determine preferred extension methods from farmers point of view in the field of transferring highly saline soil recommendations, 3) identify correlation relationship between level of both famers’ knowledge and practices relevant to highly saline soil and other farmers’ socioeconomic characteristics. Sahl Altina regoin was selected to conduct this study as highly saline soil. Three of the biggest famers’ cooperatives in terms of participation number were selected to comprise the population of the study. A survey was carried out using interview questionnaire. A random sample of 143 farmers representing 10% of the total number of farmers were selected to conduct this study Frequency tables, percentages, means were used for data presentation and analysis. contingency coefficient and Pearson correlation coeffi cients utilized to identify correlation relationship between level of both famers’ knowledge and practices and other farmers’ socioeconomic characteristics. Findings of the study can be described as follows: There is Low level of both famers’ knowledge and practices relevant highly saline soil. Demonstration under supervision was the most preferable method from farmers point of view. There is correlation relationship between famers’ knowledge relevant to the integrated farm management in highly saline soil and the following: farming experience in highly saline soil, farm area, and satisfaction towards extension services. There is effect relationship between farmers’ knowledge relevant to the integrated farm management in highly saline soil and the following: education level and period of irrigation. Finally, four recommendations were developed according to the results of this study that may contribute to enhance extension work in the field of capacitating farmers with the integrated farm management under saline conditions