AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION WORKERS' ATTITUDES TOWARDS USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TO DEVELOP AGRICULTURE IN THE CENTRAL GOVERNORATES OF IRAQ
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Abstract
ABSTRACT
The objective of this research was to assess the attitudes of agricultural extension workers toward utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) technology for agricultural development in the central governorates of Iraq. Additionally, the study aimed to identify the primary challenges and constraints faced by extension workers regarding AI concepts.
The research population comprised officially registered agricultural extension workers across five Iraqi governorates (Baghdad, Diala, Babylon, Salah Al-Deen, and Al - Anbar), totaling 370 employees. A simple random sample of 40% was drawn from the total population, resulting in a sample size of 148 respondents.
Data were collected via personal interviews conducted in August 2025 using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of 110 items distributed across five domains: AI concepts (24 items), AI characteristics (18 items), the future of AI (26 items), AI use cases (22 items), and AI applications (20 items).
Responses were measured on a 3-point Likert scale. Weights of 1, 2, and 3 were assigned to positive items (agree, neutral, and disagree, respectively), while negative items were scored inversely. Total scores ranged from 110 to 330, with a hypothetical mean of 220, and were categorized into negative, neutral, and positive attitudes.
Instrument reliability was verified using a pilot sample of 30 respondents excluded from the main study, yielding a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.899. Data were analyzed via SPSS using descriptive statistical methods.
The results revealed that agricultural extension workers exhibited negative attitudes toward AI technology for agricultural development across all evaluated domains, indicating a severe lack of information and data regarding AI. Based on these findings, the study recommends actively engaging agricultural extension staff in capacity-building programs to enhance their knowledge, digital skills, and interaction with artificial intelligence technologies.
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