Perception of Extension Specialists about the Role of Extension in the Production and Adoption of the Genetically Modified Crops in Iran

Abstract

Extension specialists were surveyed in order to explore their perception about the role of extension in the production and adoption of Genetically Modified (GM) crops in Iran. The methodology used in this study involved a combination of descriptive and quantitative research. The total population for this study was 120 extension specialists in Iran. Extension specialists believed that the first priority of extension should be to increase the participation of stakeholders in the development of GM crops. Based on the perception of the respondents, 46% of the variance in the perception of extension specialists about the production of GM crops could be explained by two variables of informing about the research activities and improving the linkages between public and private sector. The results show that 44% of the variance in the perception of extension specialists about the adoption of GM crops could be explained by two variables of informing the publics about advantages of GM crops and improving the linkages between public and private sector.