Training Needs for Communication Skills from The Perspective of Agricultural Extension Workers in Duhok Governorate, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

This study aimed to assess the training needs required for developing communication skills among the agricultural extension workers in Duhok Governorate. It also sought to evaluate the importance of such skills from their perspective, identify the correlation between training needs and the importance of those skills, and to test the variation in these needs according to individual and functional variables. To meet these objectives, a 41-item questionnaire was developed covering four main skill dimensions: extension communication (organizing and presenting ideas), language communication (vocabulary and grammar), vocal communication (pronunciation and fluency), and the use of body language during communication. Data was collected from a random sample of 60 agricultural extension workers comprising about 43% of the 140 employees of the Directorate of Agriculture (DoA) and the Extension Center in the governorate. The results showed that all dimensions of communication skills had a higher weighted mean than the hypothetical mean of two, reflecting a major need for developing these tested skills. The skills most frequently identified as requiring substantial training included the ability to organize and present ideas in a clear and logical manner, the use of simple and accurate language, communicating smoothly and confidently, and effective use of body language during communication. The findings also indicated a robust positive correlation between the perceived importance of these skills and the level of training required. Factors such as age, academic background, and number of years of professional experience were found to affect the level of training needed. These results show the importance of strengthening communication skills among extension personnel to promote the efficiency of extension works and improve the quality of services delivered to the local farmers. Additionally, developing extension training programs that accommodate personal differences and enhance practical applications will assist in ensuring optimal outcomes and increase the overall effectiveness of agricultural extension activities within Duhok governorate