Study of Strategies of Agricultural Extension Privatization in Mazandaran Province, Iran

Abstract:The purpose of this study was to analyze the strategy of extension privatization in Mazandaran province. The methodological approach in this study was description-correlative. The target population in the study was the agricultural experts in the Mazandaran, Iran. Experts were selected by using randomized sampling method 154. Validity of the instrument was established using a panel of experts consisting of senior faculty members in agricultural extension at Sari University. Further, the questionnaire was validated by agricultural specialists and experts’ Mazandaran province. A reliability analysis was conducted, Cronbach alpha value being reported to be 88 percent. Findings reveal that strategies of client– based extension system, allocating subsidies to the farmers; document guidance and contract system are one to four priorities respectively. Between mean rank of strategies of allocating subsidies to the farmers and contracting extension are significant differences in relation to gender. Among mean rank of strategies of client– based extension system, farmers’ extension organizations and contracting extension in relation to education level and Among mean rank of strategies of to extension based on commission, allocating subsidies to the farmers and private consultants in relation to employment place are significant differences.