Evaluation of agricultural extension services for date farmers in Anbar Province, Iraq

Introduction Introduction and research problem

The agricultural sector in Iraq is one of the important economic and social sectors that form a fundamental pillar for the country's stability and development, given its prominent role in achieving food security and selfsufficiency, as it accounts for about 20% of the gross domestic product [1] . Iraq has historically been known as one of the oldest agricultural regions in the world thanks to its diverse crops, which include grains, vegetables, fruits, and palm trees. Date palm trees [2] are considered one of the oldest and most important types of fruit trees, and are believed to have originated in Mesopotamia more than 6,000 years ago [3] . Dates are characterized by their high nutritional value and low production costs compared to other crops [4] , making them one of the most strategic crops in arid and semi-arid environments between latitudes 15-30 north of the equator [5] . Iraq ranks high in global date production, with about 32 million palm trees [6] . Anbar Governorate is one of the agricultural regions rich in natural resources, where palm cultivation is an integral part of the governorate's agricultural and economic heritage. Dates contribute to supporting the local economy and providing employment opportunities in rural communities [7] . However, the palm cultivation sector faces significant challenges that have been reflected in a decline in date production in recent years. The most prominent of these challenges are: the spread of pests and diseases such as the red palm weevil, water scarcity and irregular irrigation [8] , climate change such as rising temperatures and increased drought, as well as poor agricultural management and continued reliance on traditional methods [9] . Economic factors such as high farming costs, weak marketing, and lack of government support also contribute to reducing farmers' ability to invest in improving production [10] . These challenges lead to declining productivity and quality, threatening Iraq's position as one of the world's leading date producers [11] . This highlights the pivotal role of agricultural extension as a key tool for providing farmers with the knowledge and technical services that help them address these issues, through guidance on modern techniques and improved agricultural practices [12] . However, current indicators reflect disparities in the level of agricultural extension services in the province in terms of coverage and efficiency, as well as shortcomings in vital areas such as marketing, financing, and specialized technical support. Hence, the problem of the study is defined by the main question: What is the level of agricultural extension services provided to date farmers in Anbar province? How effective are they in meeting their agricultural, technical, and production needs? www.extensionjournal.com Karbala provinces to the east, and the Kingdom of Jordan to the west. As shown in the administrative map [13] , the total area suitable for agriculture in the province is approximately 138,288 dunams, of which 27,196 dunams are planted with palm trees, equivalent to about 20% of the total agricultural area in the province.

Research community

All palm grove owners within the agricultural divisions affiliated with the Anbar Agriculture Directorate, numbering 12,842 farmers distributed across the agricultural divisions in Anbar Province, were included. For the purpose of calculating a research sample representative of the total population, the Stegson-Thompson equation was used, with a sample size of 345 respondents representing 2.68% of the study population.

Data collection tool

A questionnaire was used to collect data for the study. The questionnaire was prepared and distributed to farmers in Anbar province and included a set of questions addressing the main topics related to the research topic. These topics were: orchard planning, including tree distribution methods and space organization; methods of planting seedlings and the extent to which farmers adhere to scientific recommendations; horticultural services, including grafting, pollination, fruit thinning, pruning, as well as traditional and modern irrigation methods, organic and chemical fertilization, pest and disease control, especially red palm weevil, and finally harvesting and production, which was related to harvesting methods and crop quality. The questionnaire questions were designed to cover these areas, as they represent the basic variables used to measure the level of farmers' adoption of palm cultivation techniques.

Statistical methods

A set of statistical methods was used to analyze the study data, relying on descriptive statistics through frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviation to present the general characteristics of the respondents. The Chi-Square test was also used to measure the relationship between demographic characteristics and agricultural practices and the level of extension services provided. In addition, some supporting statistical indicators were used to accurately interpret the results and reach sound scientific conclusions. 4.58 shows that there is no significant relationship between age and the cultivation of the most suitable commercial palm species. Table 3 shows that there is a significant relationship between age and farming method. Table 6 shows that there is a significant relationship between age and the use of recommended pesticides for palm weevils. Table 7 shows that there is no significant relationship between age and the most appropriate method of fruit thinning. Table 8 shows that there is a significant relationship between age and the appropriate time for diagnosing chorea. Table 9 shows that there is no significant relationship between age and the most appropriate method of contraception. Table 10 shows that there is no significant relationship between age and the timing of the procedure. Table 11 shows that there is a significant relationship between the level of education and the appropriate time to perform the procedure. 12 shows that there is no significant relationship between the level of education and the correct method of diagnosing scabies. Table 13 shows that there is no significant relationship between the level of education and sources of information on palm cultivation techniques. Table 14 shows that there is no significant relationship between farm size and the optimal time for planting. Table 15 shows that there is no significant relationship between farm size and the optimal time for pest control. Table 16 shows that there is no significant relationship between farm size and the appropriate method of pollination. Table 17 shows that there is no significant relationship between farm size and use and grading.

Results and Discussion 1. Chi-square test for the relationship between age and the cultivation of the most suitable commercial palm species

Chi-square test for the relationship between age and knowledge of the importance of irrigation

Chi-square test for the relationship between age and farming method

Chi-square test for the relationship between age and number of pollinations

Chi-square test for the relationship between age and type of fertilizer used

Chi-square test for the relationship between age and the most appropriate method of fruit thinning

Chi-square test for the relationship between age and the appropriate time to diagnose chorea

Chi-square test for the relationship between age and the most appropriate method of vaccination

Chi-square test for the relationship between age and the procedure of gradual progression

Chi-square test for the relationship between education level and the appropriate time for performing the grafting procedure

Chi-square test for the relationship between the level of education and the correct method of diagnosing the insect

Chi-square test for the relationship between education level and sources of information

Chi-square test for the relationship between farm size and the appropriate time for grafting

Chi-square test for the relationship between farm size and the appropriate time to control insects:

Chi-square test for the relationship between farm size and The appropriate method of pollination

Chi-square test for the relationship between farm size and the use of gradation

Conclusions and Recommendations

From this study, we conclude that date farmers in Anbar province are mostly middle-aged, with varying levels of education between primary and preparatory school, which is reflected in their varying knowledge of agricultural techniques. The results showed that there is partial adherence to some practices, such as choosing the method of cultivation and irrigation at critical times, while there are shortcomings in important areas such as pollination, grafting, and fruit thinning, as well as continued reliance on traditional methods of irrigation and chemical fertilization. It also showed that agricultural extension services suffer from weak planning and inadequate field coverage, which limits their effectiveness in improving palm productivity. The study therefore recommends the development of agricultural extension programs through the intensification of practical training courses for farmers, the expansion of field coverage, and the adoption of modern strategies in irrigation, fertilization, and pest control, in addition to strengthening government and technical support, thereby ensuring the improvement of agricultural practices and the sustainability of date production in the governorate.

References

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