The effect of specialized training courses in improving performance Agricultural extension workers and cotton farmers in Al-Hasakah Governorate (Al-Qamishli region as an example)

The study aimed to determine the impact of specialized training courses on improving the performance of agricultural extension workers and cotton farmers in Al-Hasakah Governorate. The sample included about 70 agricultural extension agents, who underwent specialized training courses related to the cotton crop based on the comprehensive inventory method of 25 extension units, and about 170 farmers using the random sample method. The research objectives were achieved based on an interview form prepared for this purpose, which dealt with a set of questions addressed to a sample of the trainees (the respondents) to determine the impact of training in improving performance, and the total number of paragraphs was about 54 paragraphs, and questions addressed to a sample of agricultural extension workers to evaluate the training process, as the total number Paragraphs about 32 paragraphs. A three-way Likert scale was used to measure the impact and evaluate the training process. The results of the analysis showed that there was a positive and statistically significant correlation at the level (α≤0.01), for most of the items of the study axes, and for some of the items there was a positive and statistically significant correlation at the level (α≤0.05), with the exception of some paragraphs where the correlation was not significant, as it was found that the evaluation of The levels of reaction, learning, behavior and results of the respondents towards the training program were within the high level, as a result of their acquisition of new knowledge and skills from specialized training courses, and they achieved positive results in improving their performance in the field of cotton crop production. And it was found that there were no statistically significant differences according to the age of the respondent and his experience in the field of cotton production, and his educational level in the level of the results achieved from the training courses, and there were statistically significant differences according to the categories of the size of the possession of the land, and the categories of the area planted with cotton in the level of the results achieved from the training courses. It was found that there were no statistically significant differences according to the age of the agricultural guide, his years of graduation, and his specialization in the level of the results achieved from the training courses. And the presence of statistically significant differences according to the number of courses followed by the agricultural extension agents in evaluating the training, as a result of the different assessments of the agricultural extension agents of the training process. The research reached a proposal to increase the number of specialized training courses for farmers and agricultural extension workers, increase the number of trainees, and choose trainers who have high efficiency in training, and that the content of the specialized training course include topics that address issues related to irrigation water shortage, and develop solutions to productive problems, especially securing production requirements of improved seeds and fuel.