Background: Agricultural extension workers have an important role in transferring knowledge and technology to farmers, which has an impact on increasing agricultural production and overall farmer welfare. This research aims to analyse the performance of agricultural instructors at the Agricultural Extension Center (BPP) of Sorong Regency, Southwest Papua Province in order to understand the factors that influence their effectiveness in increasing productivity and the quality of life of farmers. 
 
Methods: The research method used is a quantitative approach with survey techniques among extension workers and farmers in the research area. The collected data was analysed using tabulation and Chi-square analysis (X2) to analyse factors that influence the performance of agricultural instructors, such as preparing regional and agroecosystem potential data, guiding supervision and assistance in preparing group needs plans, preparing extension programs and creating annual work plans for agricultural instructors. 
 
Result: The results of this research show that the competency score at the preparation stage reached 4.40, which is in the &ldquo;Very High&rdquo; category. Agricultural instructors have excellent competence in preparing regional and agroecosystem potential data, compiling programs and making annual work plans. There are no significant differences between performance indicators at the preparation stage.&nbsp; The competency score for the implementation stage is 2.71, which is included in the &ldquo;Medium&rdquo; category. There are several areas that need improvement, especially in terms of technical guidance, economic institutional guidance for farmers and dissemination of extension materials according to farmers&rsquo; needs, which tend to have a score of &ldquo;Low&rdquo; or &ldquo;Very Low&rdquo;. There are no significant differences between the indicators at the implementation stage. The competency score at the evaluation and reporting stage is 2.30, which is in the &ldquo;Low&rdquo; category. There are no significant differences between performance indicators for the evaluation and reporting stages. This means that all indicators in this stage make a balanced contribution to overall performance. The performance of agricultural instructors at the preparation stage was very good, but at the implementation stage it was only at a medium level and at the evaluation stage it was at a low level. 
&nbsp;

Competency and Performance of Agricultural Extension Workers at Different Implementation Stages in Sorong Regency, Southwest Papua, Indonesia

<div>Background:&nbsp;Agricultural extension&nbsp;plays a critical&nbsp;role&nbsp;in amplifying&nbsp;agricultural&nbsp;productivity and profitability of farmers and improving&nbsp;the livelihoods of rural communities. In an agricultural dependent country like Guyana, effective agricultural extension service delivery is essential to reduce poverty and improve food security.&nbsp; 
 
Methods:&nbsp;This study was carried out to determine the efficacy of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute agricultural extension service delivery as perceived by researchers and extension officers. During 2019-2020 data were collected from researchers and extension officers via questionnaires, group discussion and interviews. Percentage and chi-square analysis were used to analyze the collected data.&nbsp; 
 
Result:&nbsp;The major findings of the study were that (45.8%) of researchers and (43.8%) of extension officers said they sometimes collaborate with each other whereas (29.2%) of researchers and (37.5%) of extension officers said they do not collaborate with each other. Extension professionals (42.5%) perceived that farmers were hesitant to adopt newly researched technologies because they preferred to continue with the practices they already know. In addition, (35%) of extension professionals perceived that more emphasis shall be placed on the number and quality of training programs offered to farmers in order to improve agricultural extension service delivery.&nbsp;</div>

<div>Profile of Extension Professionals and their Perception of Agricultural Extension Service Delivery: A Case of National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute, British Guyana</div>

Background: Agricultural development in Indonesia relies heavily on effectively integrating agricultural extension services. The quality of these services is shaped by the strength of extension institutions, including organizational structures, operational mechanisms and the extent to which farmer groups and their members are engaged as target beneficiaries. The study aims to investigate agricultural extension instructors activities, evaluate farmer groups performance and analyze the relationship between extension activities and farmer group performance in Kubu Raya District, Indonesia. 
 
Methods: The research was conducted at Tanjungpura University, with the study site located in Kubu Raya Regency, West Kalimantan, Indonesia. The research period was 2023. A total of 37 agricultural extension officers were involved and selected using a simple random sampling technique. The range criterion method was employed to assess the activities of agricultural extension officers and the level of performance improvement among farmer groups. Furthermore, a chi-square test with cross-tabulation analysis was applied to examine the association between extension officer activities and farmer group performance. 
 
Result: Agricultural extension activities were assessed through administrative and reporting activities and farmer group development activities. All scores fell within neutral, positive and very positive categories. The Chi-Square test results indicated that the activities of agricultural extension agents had a significant relationship with farmer group performance in Kubu Raya District, Indonesia, at &alpha; 0.05 significance level. The strength of this relationship, based on the contingency coefficient, was 0.93.

Agricultural Extension and Farmer Group Performance: Empirical Evidence from Kubu Raya District, Indonesia

Background: The research examined the current understanding and utilization of AI-based digital technology in agricultural extension services. It assessed the level of adoption and identified the advantages and disadvantages of incorporating such technology. 
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Methods: To collect data, a structured online questionnaire was employed and responses were gathered from 131 extension professionals based in India. The data were analyzed using percentage and mean. 
&nbsp; 
Result: The findings revealed that approximately 75.25% of the respondents had used AI-based digital technology at least onceand 61.48% were aware of its potential applications in agriculture extension services. Among those who used AI-based technology, about 45% were able to propagate innovations, while 33.60% showcased innovations and technologies. One of the major benefits, as reported by 80.25% of the participants, was the technology&rsquo;s capacity to reach the target audience universally and at any time. However, 72.50% of respondents identified the high costs associated with its digital enablers as the primary drawback. The study highlighted a significant level of awareness among agricultural extension specialists regarding AI-based digital technologies. However, the actual utilization of these technologies in their services remained relatively low. To address this gap, the research recommends organizing on-the-job capacity building initiatives for current professionals. These programs aim to promote the adoption of AI-based digital technologies in agricultural extension services throughout India.

Utilisation of Artificial Intelligence-related Technology for Agricultural Extension&nbsp; Services among Extension Professionals in India

<div style="text-align: justify;">Agriculture in the Czech Republic is one of major sectors of the economy, as it provides a substantial share of the basic food requirements of the population. An important part of agricultural companies&rsquo; production consists of livestock, especially because of the effective use of crop production as a source of all kinds of animal feed. It is also proven that livestock production plays a significant role in the creation and cultivation of the landscape. Czech agriculture has shown a profit since joining the EU thanks to a significant increase in subsidies. The aim of this paper is to show the impacts of the globalization of the economy and climate change on the economic performance of agricultural companies in the Czech Republic. Serious consequences of global climate change are already evident, and their intensity will grow with the ongoing warming of the planet.</div>

Evaluation of the performance of Czech agriculture

<div style="text-align: justify;">Most of the agricultural operations in India are performed manually with hand tools and equipment by female agricultural workers. This prompted designers to use female anthropometric data in designing of farm equipment and workplaces in order to reduce drudgery, to enhance safety, to improve performance, productivity and efficiency. A study was conducted to collect the anthropometric data of selected 30 female agricultural workers in the age group of 22-54 years from Madhya Pradesh state. For design of agricultural tools, equipment and workplaces the important, thirty eight body dimensions including weight were identified and measured. The values of mean, standard deviation (SD), minimum, maximum, coefficient of variation (CV) and 1st, 5th, 50th, 95th and 99th percentile values were calculated of selected body dimensions. The mean weight and stature of female agricultural workers were found to be 53 kg and 1536 mm, respectively. A large variation in anthropometric dimensions in the anthropometric data of female farm workers of different states of India and other countries was observed. Pearson correlation coefficients (PCC) were calculated among selected anthropometric dimensions of subjects. The correlation coefficients of measured data varied from 0.65-0.98.</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Anthropometry of Female Agricultural Workers of Madhya Pradesh</div>

<div>Background: This study assessed the perceived influence of agricultural extension on cassava production in southern Nigeria. Specifically, the study sought to; ascertain the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, identify the perceived influence of agricultural extension on cassava production in the study area and constraints in the production of cassava by farmers in the study area.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The study adopted a multi-stage sampling technique. Stage one was a purposive selection of municipalities in Southern Nigeria due to its endowment with cassava production. Stage two involved a random selection of five (5) municipalities in Southern Nigeria namely; Uyo, Calabar, Umuahia, Abakaliki and Owerri. Stage three equally involved a random selected of twenty (20) respondents from each of the municipals, giving a total of hundred (100) respondents used for the study. Data were obtained from primary sources using structured interview schedule. Objectives were analysed using descriptive statistics such as; percentage, frequency, mean, rank and standard deviation. 
 
Result: The result on the house hold size showed that 39% had between 6-10 persons, while 27% had 11-15 persons, 21% had 1-5 persons. Also 13% had 16 and above number of persons. The result also revealed that the respondents observed help in reducing soil compartment, training of farmers on pest/disease control, production practices, processing and marketing with mean scores of <img alt="" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAgAAAAKCAYAAACJxx+AAAABIklEQVQoFR3OzyuDYQDA8SeRlMMOLrIUxYWD5mSHpRy0cDCkrTkoN3MQklYO3NyUOCvKP+DIYS4O5NfNymGrzV5t74/9et73efd8mfu3T18B4Fk2U/1B+oSgq7MD0dmN6Bng/qWEwK+DL8GqgW0Dkjpg+FDUIPCKGF/vhIKDDAcC5PJvnF6eIXqHmFw6QKAN0BWuL8452t+jRZnM6wMTs6vkAKF0G5R8fjyT2lin4TpEojNkDROzHXi4SOWgZIm1+AIr8QQFy8FSTSQK0WpVgQqFfIbpyAjpw2PkvykxdRGB66DlN6nNeexqllgsiVH2aeLSwEJgWyQX53h8usNHsrOV5ubqFgXU8BEn27uEx8cwa2XqWrEcTRAaDfNjejT/Jn8Bgqj79E6h3/gAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" /> = 2.43, <img alt="" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAgAAAAKCAYAAACJxx+AAAABIklEQVQoFR3OzyuDYQDA8SeRlMMOLrIUxYWD5mSHpRy0cDCkrTkoN3MQklYO3NyUOCvKP+DIYS4O5NfNymGrzV5t74/9et73efd8mfu3T18B4Fk2U/1B+oSgq7MD0dmN6Bng/qWEwK+DL8GqgW0Dkjpg+FDUIPCKGF/vhIKDDAcC5PJvnF6eIXqHmFw6QKAN0BWuL8452t+jRZnM6wMTs6vkAKF0G5R8fjyT2lin4TpEojNkDROzHXi4SOWgZIm1+AIr8QQFy8FSTSQK0WpVgQqFfIbpyAjpw2PkvykxdRGB66DlN6nNeexqllgsiVH2aeLSwEJgWyQX53h8usNHsrOV5ubqFgXU8BEn27uEx8cwa2XqWrEcTRAaDfNjejT/Jn8Bgqj79E6h3/gAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" /> = 2.27,&nbsp;<img alt="" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAgAAAAKCAYAAACJxx+AAAABIklEQVQoFR3OzyuDYQDA8SeRlMMOLrIUxYWD5mSHpRy0cDCkrTkoN3MQklYO3NyUOCvKP+DIYS4O5NfNymGrzV5t74/9et73efd8mfu3T18B4Fk2U/1B+oSgq7MD0dmN6Bng/qWEwK+DL8GqgW0Dkjpg+FDUIPCKGF/vhIKDDAcC5PJvnF6eIXqHmFw6QKAN0BWuL8452t+jRZnM6wMTs6vkAKF0G5R8fjyT2lin4TpEojNkDROzHXi4SOWgZIm1+AIr8QQFy8FSTSQK0WpVgQqFfIbpyAjpw2PkvykxdRGB66DlN6nNeexqllgsiVH2aeLSwEJgWyQX53h8usNHsrOV5ubqFgXU8BEn27uEx8cwa2XqWrEcTRAaDfNjejT/Jn8Bgqj79E6h3/gAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" /> = 1.92,&nbsp;<img alt="" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAgAAAAKCAYAAACJxx+AAAABIklEQVQoFR3OzyuDYQDA8SeRlMMOLrIUxYWD5mSHpRy0cDCkrTkoN3MQklYO3NyUOCvKP+DIYS4O5NfNymGrzV5t74/9et73efd8mfu3T18B4Fk2U/1B+oSgq7MD0dmN6Bng/qWEwK+DL8GqgW0Dkjpg+FDUIPCKGF/vhIKDDAcC5PJvnF6eIXqHmFw6QKAN0BWuL8452t+jRZnM6wMTs6vkAKF0G5R8fjyT2lin4TpEojNkDROzHXi4SOWgZIm1+AIr8QQFy8FSTSQK0WpVgQqFfIbpyAjpw2PkvykxdRGB66DlN6nNeexqllgsiVH2aeLSwEJgWyQX53h8usNHsrOV5ubqFgXU8BEn27uEx8cwa2XqWrEcTRAaDfNjejT/Jn8Bgqj79E6h3/gAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" /> = 1.86 and <img alt="" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAgAAAAKCAYAAACJxx+AAAABIklEQVQoFR3OzyuDYQDA8SeRlMMOLrIUxYWD5mSHpRy0cDCkrTkoN3MQklYO3NyUOCvKP+DIYS4O5NfNymGrzV5t74/9et73efd8mfu3T18B4Fk2U/1B+oSgq7MD0dmN6Bng/qWEwK+DL8GqgW0Dkjpg+FDUIPCKGF/vhIKDDAcC5PJvnF6eIXqHmFw6QKAN0BWuL8452t+jRZnM6wMTs6vkAKF0G5R8fjyT2lin4TpEojNkDROzHXi4SOWgZIm1+AIr8QQFy8FSTSQK0WpVgQqFfIbpyAjpw2PkvykxdRGB66DlN6nNeexqllgsiVH2aeLSwEJgWyQX53h8usNHsrOV5ubqFgXU8BEn27uEx8cwa2XqWrEcTRAaDfNjejT/Jn8Bgqj79E6h3/gAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" /> =1.69 respectively; as perceived influence of extension on cassava production. This implied that extension workers had no significant influence on cassava production in the study area, this may be attributed to inadequate funding of extension services in Nigeria. Majority (60%) believed that language barrier and unfavourable attitude of farmers with mean of <img alt="" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAgAAAAKCAYAAACJxx+AAAABIklEQVQoFR3OzyuDYQDA8SeRlMMOLrIUxYWD5mSHpRy0cDCkrTkoN3MQklYO3NyUOCvKP+DIYS4O5NfNymGrzV5t74/9et73efd8mfu3T18B4Fk2U/1B+oSgq7MD0dmN6Bng/qWEwK+DL8GqgW0Dkjpg+FDUIPCKGF/vhIKDDAcC5PJvnF6eIXqHmFw6QKAN0BWuL8452t+jRZnM6wMTs6vkAKF0G5R8fjyT2lin4TpEojNkDROzHXi4SOWgZIm1+AIr8QQFy8FSTSQK0WpVgQqFfIbpyAjpw2PkvykxdRGB66DlN6nNeexqllgsiVH2aeLSwEJgWyQX53h8usNHsrOV5ubqFgXU8BEn27uEx8cwa2XqWrEcTRAaDfNjejT/Jn8Bgqj79E6h3/gAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" /> = 2.43 and <img alt="" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAgAAAAKCAYAAACJxx+AAAABIklEQVQoFR3OzyuDYQDA8SeRlMMOLrIUxYWD5mSHpRy0cDCkrTkoN3MQklYO3NyUOCvKP+DIYS4O5NfNymGrzV5t74/9et73efd8mfu3T18B4Fk2U/1B+oSgq7MD0dmN6Bng/qWEwK+DL8GqgW0Dkjpg+FDUIPCKGF/vhIKDDAcC5PJvnF6eIXqHmFw6QKAN0BWuL8452t+jRZnM6wMTs6vkAKF0G5R8fjyT2lin4TpEojNkDROzHXi4SOWgZIm1+AIr8QQFy8FSTSQK0WpVgQqFfIbpyAjpw2PkvykxdRGB66DlN6nNeexqllgsiVH2aeLSwEJgWyQX53h8usNHsrOV5ubqFgXU8BEn27uEx8cwa2XqWrEcTRAaDfNjejT/Jn8Bgqj79E6h3/gAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" /> = 2.42 respectively were the constraints of agricultural extension workers in enhancing cassava production in the study area. This implied that influence of extension agents in the area may not be significant. This may be due to ineffectiveness of extension services in Nigeria. the study concluded that, rural farmers need to be involved in the mainstream of extension services in order to identify and prioritize their production activities. The study therefore, recommended that agricultural extension workers should be involved in all areas of agricultural production and not on cassava production alone, so as to improve on the gross domestic production of the nation.</div>

Perceived Influence of Agricultural Extension on Cassava Production by the Farmers in Southern Nigeria

<div style="text-align: justify;">Farm workers are exposed to pesticide vapours and organic dust during various farm activities which may leads to many health problems. To minimize health hazards protective clothes were designed with reference to fabric and functional features. Designed protective clothing was given to twenty five farm workers involved in pesticide application and forty farm workers (25 males and 15 females) engaged in threshing activity, for a period of one month to access their suitability and acceptability. On the basis of suitability and acceptability recommended protective clothing for pesticide applicators were jacket with hood and pyjama of water proof fabric (having lining of cotton hosiery fabric), Chemical Resistant mask, Glasses/goggles, Nitrile gloves and Sports shoes. For threshing activity recommended protective clothing were : apron with hood and full sleeves with elasticized cuffs (elastic in &nbsp;two rows),Pleated mask / beak mask, Glasses/goggles ,Sports shoes, Mittens/gloves (for male) and &nbsp;for female : &nbsp;Kameez with full sleeves preferably elasticized cuffs or apron, hood mask/scarf mask ,glasses/goggles, sports shoes, mittens/gloves.</div>

Development of protective clothing for agricultural workers&nbsp;

The time series data at all India level on area, production and productivity of foodgrains, production and per capita availability of milk and eggs and production of meat were compiled and a decade wise analysis of growth rate, instability index and decomposition analysis was done to study the performance of agriculture sector. During the overall period, the area under food grains showed negative growth whereas production and productivity growth was positive. For milk and egg, both production and per capita availability showed positive growth. Meat production showed a positively significant growth rate. Growth rate in area, production and productivity of both vegetables and fruits was positive. In general, for foodgrains, the yield effect was higher than the area effect which could be attributed to increased use of high yielding varieties. For vegetables and fruits, the contribution of area effect was more than that of yield and the interaction effect suggesting that measures should be taken to improve their productivity.&nbsp;

A Study on the performance of Agricultural Sector in India

This article scrutinizes the immediate need for transformation within the global food system to address escalating demands and sustainability challenges. It underscores the critical role of agricultural extension services in bridging the gap between innovative practices and their practical implementation, thereby empowering farmers with the knowledge and resources needed to adopt sustainable practices. By facilitating access to new technologies and fostering connections among farmers, extension services can optimize resource use, reduce food waste and enhance food security. Ultimately, the article claims that effective extension interventions are indispensable for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 and creating a more resilient and equitable food system in the future. 
&nbsp;

Competency and Performance of Agricultural Extension Workers at Different Implementation Stages in Sorong Regency, Southwest Papua, Indonesia

Profile of Extension Professionals and their Perception of Agricultural Extension Service Delivery: A Case of National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute, British Guyana

Agricultural Extension and Farmer Group Performance: Empirical Evidence from Kubu Raya District, Indonesia

Utilisation of Artificial Intelligence-related Technology for Agricultural Extension Services among Extension Professionals in India

Evaluation of the performance of Czech agriculture

Anthropometry of Female Agricultural Workers of Madhya Pradesh

Perceived Influence of Agricultural Extension on Cassava Production by the Farmers in Southern Nigeria

Development of protective clothing for agricultural workers

A Study on the performance of Agricultural Sector in India

Bridging the Gap: Transforming Food Systems Through Agricultural Extension: A Review