Different extension organizations in Türkiye: Aegean region example

ABSTRACT: This study assessed different extension actors in the Aegean region in terms of key indicators that influence the success of extension activities. Along with the primary goal, factors affecting extensionists’ satisfaction with their working conditions were investigated. The data were collected through questionnaires from 966 extensionists working in public, private firms, farmer organizations, input dealers and consultancy in eight provinces in the region. According to the results, 80% of the farmers received extension services from public organizations in the region. While those who work in the public sector are more satisfied economically, their professional satisfaction is the lowest. Extension workers’ personal skills, sharing ideas, creativity, and authority-responsibility harmony, working freedom, staff availability and support are increasing satisfaction with working conditions in organizations. While female farmers are targeting more by the public and consultants, educated farmers are more prioritized in firms, dealers, and consultations. The internalization of innovative values is lower in the public organizations compared to the others. It is foreseen that; the public will carry out extension in developing countries for a long time. The success in extension organizations, the innovation process and pluralistic structure became quite more dependent on the relations with the private sector, domestic and international market mechanisms, demand driven giving advice and government policies on social, economic, and environmental.