The aim of study is to reveal the factors affecting the knowledge sources used by melon farmers in Hatay province, and their attitudes towards input use. In addition, the research also investigated farmers’ attitudes towards plant protection knowledge and support policies. In the study was surveyed with melon farmers. The data were obtained through face to face interviews during the period of Summer-2022. In the study, factor analysis was used to determine farmers’ the factors affecting the knowledge sources. Factors affecting the knowledge sources used by farmers were determined as two-way and one-way communication. The factors affecting the sources that farmers depend on in dose adjustment were determined as internal and external factors. Besides, farmers think that the knowledge sources should be understandable and accessible. On the other hand, farmers think that the sources they depend on should be accurate and reliable. In melon cultivation, chemicals are used excessively to combat diseases and pests. Also, farmers stated that if precautions are not taken while spraying, poisoning may occur. Moreover, it is thought that empty pesticide containers should be destroyed and excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides may harm products and the environment. Furthermore, farmers claimed that support policies for melon production were not sufficient. As a result, it has been understood that melon farmers have a good level of education and are conscious individuals. However, it is thought that the training and extension activities will help farmers increase their income and environmental awareness.

The aim of study is to reveal the factors affecting the knowledge sources used by melon farmers in Hatay province, and their attitudes towards input use. In addition, the research also investigated farmers’ attitudes towards plant protection knowledge and support policies. In the study was surveyed with melon farmers. The data were obtained through face to face interviews during the period of Summer-2022. In the study, factor analysis was used to determine farmers’ the factors affecting the knowledge sources. Factors affecting the knowledge sources used by farmers were determined as two-way and one-way communication. The factors affecting the sources that farmers depend on in dose adjustment were determined as internal and external factors. Besides, farmers think that the knowledge sources should be understandable and accessible. On the other hand, farmers think that the sources they depend on should be accurate and reliable. In melon cultivation, chemicals are used excessively to combat diseases and pests. Also, farmers stated that if precautions are not taken while spraying, poisoning may occur. Moreover, it is thought that empty pesticide containers should be destroyed and excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides may harm products and the environment. Furthermore, farmers claimed that support policies for melon production were not sufficient. As a result, it has been understood that melon farmers have a good level of education and are conscious individuals. However, it is thought that the training and extension activities will help farmers increase their income and environmental awareness.

North Sinai governorate is one of the largest desert areas in terms of intensity of agricultural extension work, In spite of efforts by state agencies to bring about agricultural development in the governorate, agriculture is still somewhat characterized by primitive traditional methods, making agricultural development rates almost indistinguishable, And with the scarcity of extension research carried out in North Sinai in the field of environmental SWOT analysis, It was necessary to conduct the study that is trying to analyze the current situation of agricultural extension in North Sinai governorate through identifying the strengths; weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT). A participatory SWOT analysis study using open-ended qualitative-type instrument was conducted; Research data were collected through personal interviewing questionnaire with 90 respondents representing 75% of the total extension workers in North Sinai Governorate, during the period from May till October 2018. The results showed that the most important strengths of these were that a large proportion of the extension workers are specialized in agricultural extension, more than half of the guides were from rural areas and the high job satisfaction degree among of the majority of the extension workers while the most important weaknesses were Weak budget and inadequate funding for extension work, Absence of job description for the extension workers, and Lack of financial and material resources. On the other hand the most important opportunities were Availability of research institutes in the governorate, NGO-Public Sector Collaboration. While the most important threats were Decreased investments targeting the agricultural sector in general and the extension system in particular, Poor Farmer Organization, Security instability in the governorate. Depending upon SWOT outputs, some relevant strategies were discussed to develop agricultural extension system in the governorate through some dimensions that uses strengths and opportunities to overcome weaknesses and to avoid threats or minimize their effects.

North Sinai governorate is one of the largest desert areas in terms of intensity of agricultural extension work, In spite of efforts by state agencies to bring about agricultural development in the governorate, agriculture is still somewhat characterized by primitive traditional methods, making agricultural development rates almost indistinguishable, And with the scarcity of extension research carried out in North Sinai in the field of environmental SWOT analysis, It was necessary to conduct the study that is trying to analyze the current situation of agricultural extension in North Sinai governorate through identifying the strengths; weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT). A participatory SWOT analysis study using open-ended qualitative-type instrument was conducted; Research data were collected through personal interviewing questionnaire with 90 respondents representing 75% of the total extension workers in North Sinai Governorate, during the period from May till October 2018. The results showed that the most important strengths of these were that a large proportion of the extension workers are specialized in agricultural extension, more than half of the guides were from rural areas and the high job satisfaction degree among of the majority of the extension workers while the most important weaknesses were Weak budget and inadequate funding for extension work, Absence of job description for the extension workers, and Lack of financial and material resources. On the other hand the most important opportunities were Availability of research institutes in the governorate, NGO-Public Sector Collaboration. While the most important threats were Decreased investments targeting the agricultural sector in general and the extension system in particular, Poor Farmer Organization, Security instability in the governorate. Depending upon SWOT outputs, some relevant strategies were discussed to develop agricultural extension system in the governorate through some dimensions that uses strengths and opportunities to overcome weaknesses and to avoid threats or minimize their effects.