KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE LEVEL OF EXTINSION PERSONNEL TOWARDS DECENTRALIZATION OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROGRAM PLANNING IN RIYADH AND AL-KASIEM REGIONS IN THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA

The main objectives of this study were to: (1) Determine the knowledge level of extension personnel regarding extension program planning concept, principles and steps. (2) Determine the relationship between the total knowledge degree of extension personnel regarding extension program planning process and each of the studied independent variables. (3) Determine the the attitude level for respondents towards extension program planning process. (4) Determine the level of constraints availability facing respondents in extension program planning process. (5) Identify the suggestions of respondents to over com these constraints. A systematic random sample amounted 114 extension workers was chosen from nine regions in the middle area in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The sample was distributed as follows: 19 from Riyadh. 7 from Al-kharg. 31 from Kasiem. 13 from Dwadmi. 9from enaza. 10 from wadi Al- Dwasar. 5 from Al-Zolfi. 6 from Shakraa. 14 from Magmaa. Data were collected by personal interviews using a pretested questionnaire. Chi square. Means were used to analyze data statistically. In addition to frequencies and percentages. The result of this study revealed that: The knowledge of extension personnel regarding the concept. Principles and steps of extension program planning was considered moderate. The relationship between the total degree of respondents regarding extension program planning process with each of the studied independent variables was not significant. The attitude level of respondents towards extension program planning process was relatively high. There were 13 constraints facing extension personnel respondents during their were as follows: Extension personnel do tasks incompatible with the educational nature of their work (86%). Lack of coordination between extension service and the agriculture developmental organizations (84.25%) There was so clear job description for extension personnel (81.75%). Lack of training opportunities (77.50%). Extension personnel carried out over loaded work(76.75%). lack of promotion opportunities (74.75%). And shortage of information regarding program planning procedures (74.75%). The main suggestion of respondents to overcome these constraints were as follows: offering more training opportunities regarding extension program planning (35.09%). The availability of audiovisual aids (15.79%). Providing regular incentives to the extension personnel (13.16%). Encouraging farthers to participate in the activities of extension program planning (13.16%)