Evaluation of the Providing Extension Services to Vegetable Growers in the Field of Rationalizing Irrigation Water in Baghdad Province

The aim of research is to Evaluating the extension service provided to vegetable growers in the field of rationalizing irrigation water, as well as identifying the problems facing vegetable growers in this field. The Baghdad governorate was chosen as a region to conduct the research because it is one of the governorates that are interested in growing vegetable crops. In order to achieve the objectives of the research, a plan was prepared as a result of the evaluation study of the extension service an introduction to vegetable growers in the field of irrigation water rationalization, consisting of 47 paragraphs distributed over 5 areas (Organization, Planning, Implementation, Monitoring, and Evaluation). A random sample of 50 vegetable growers was selected at a rate of 2% of the total vegetable growers in the research governorate, totaling 3350 farmers, to study the problems they face in the field of rationalizing irrigation water according to a quartet scale consisting of 30 items distributed over 5 areas: (climatic problems, financial problems, technology problems, extension activities problems, equipment problems). The research concluded that there is a weakness in the extension service provided to vegetable growers in the field of rationalizing irrigation water, as well as the absence of effective plans strategies by the relevant authorities in facing the problem of scarcity of irrigation water and the advancement of the agricultural reality in the country, and accordingly the researcher recommends the relevant authorities to achieve food security and security water sector by developing long-term strategies to confront climatic changes that have a direct impact on the problem of water scarcity in the country.


Introduction
The Vegetable group is distinguished by its nutritional importance, As the demand for it is increasing at high rates with the increase in population numbers, improved income levels, and increased nutritional awareness, It is also characterized by spread of its production in all Arab countries, including Iraq, patterns and system, including traditional once and modern once [1].The value of dietary vegetables is not due to the fact that they contain nutrients only, but there are large quantities of active vital substances that give the body strength, immunity and vitality.The nutritional value of vegetables is determined by their carbohydrate, protein and fat content As well as 1259 (2023) 012133 IOP Publishing doi:10.1088/1755-1315/1259/1/012133 2 growth-regulating materials, mineral and appetizing materials [2].In addition, vegetables are involved in the field of canning freezing paper ,yarn and nets [3].Most Arab countries suffer from a scarcity of fresh water, especially in the Arab Gulf states ,due to the limited flow of fresh surface water , which sometimes leads to a crisis .Most of research deals with this crisis with an artistic vision.And sometimes it is treated with politician employment [4].Water resources such as lakes, rivers , and streams are under pressure from excessive demand , especially in large and densely populated cities , which increases the risk of a water crisis .It is expected that the demand for water resources will increase further during the coming decades.The places people under the possibility of exposure to several crises , such as forced migration.The threat of water demand is not limited to humans only , and natural processes that need water [5].
Water is an essential pillar of life and an important element in agriculture production, The agricultural sector and food security is the biggest and most dangerous, because agricultural is the largest consumer of water [6].The agricultural sector in Iraq is also one of the most important economic sectors that use water resources, where it consumes about 86% of the total [7].Agriculture is impossible without water, especially in arid and semi-arid regions that suffer form a lack of rain and depend on irrigated agriculture, and Iraq is on of these countries.6 Water is a determining and extremely important factor in the production of food a world whose population is expect to increase at the rate 2-4 billion people per year 2050 [8].The water resources in Iraq are characterized by their proximity to the poverty line in terms of the low average share per unit area, or the per capita share water.They are also characterized by poor geographical distribution and the adoption of traditional tourist irrigation which exacerbates its impact with the passage of time in light of the climatic changes [8].Climate change causes not only drought and flooding in various countries but also water scarcity [9].In addition to the neighboring countries of Turkey, Syria and Iran establishing reservoir and irrigation project , which have currently affected and will be a affected in the future in a negative way, the quantity and quality of water imports entering Iraq territory, which threatens life in the Mesopotamai Valley [10].Rationalization of irrigation water is on of the vital issues that concern global public opinion , and it is everyone responsibility to preserve natural resources and practice civilized methods in dealing with water.This concept refers to preserving water resources and managing their well in homes, institutions‫,ة‬industry , agriculture and others [11].At the level of agriculture, irrigation water rationing id one of the important means to reduce waste in irrigation water and give the plant what it needs without prejudice or waste in water .One of the most important conditions for growing vegetables in any region of the world is to provide suitable ground moisture or a nearby irrigation source .because plants are vegetables that cannot withstand thirst [12].Irrigation is on of the main agriculture operations for all field and horticultural crops.and plants obtain the water necessary for their growth and fruit from the soil.Whether through rain or artificial irrigation [1].This requires the presence of an organized and effective extension apparatus concerned with providing extension services to farmers in general and vegetables growers in particular in the felid of rationalizing irrigation water through the preparation of programs ,project and extension plans in the field, which would provide farmers with opportunities for learning and practical training ,so the researcher takes the initiative to ask the following research question :  What are the evaluation results of the providing extension services to vegetable growers in the field of rationalizing irrigation water organization ,planning, implementation, follow-up and evaluation  Identifying the problems facing vegetable growers in the field of  rationalizing irrigation water

Materials and Methods
The descriptive approach was used in conducting the research , and the Baghdad governorate was chosen as a region to conduct the research , and the research community included all :1.All extension and agricultural organizations, including the Agricultural Extension and Training Department, the Baghdad Agriculture Directorate, the Extension Training Center, the extension farms number (4), and  (16).A sample of 50% was chosen for each of the total agricultural divisions and extension farms, so that the sample size was 8 agricultural divisions and 2 extension farms.as well as the vegetables growers in the province of Baghdad, amounting to 3350 farmers, and a random sample was chosen from the research community, at a rate of 2% ,amounting to 50 farmers as shown in Table 1.

Research Tools
A map was prepared for the study of the reality of the project of installation of pomegranate development in light of: literature and previous studies in the field of extension evaluation and the views of a group of experts in the field of agricultural extension, the map included 47 paragraphs divided into five axes ( Organization, planning, implementation, follow-up and evaluation) as shown in Table 2. Table 2. Axes and paragraphs of the reality of the extension services to vegetable growers in the field of rationalizing irrigation water.

No. Axes Areas Items
1 Organization

Levels of organization and their connections
The existence of the Organization for it is concerned with providing extension services to vegetable growers in the field of rationalizing irrigation water Organization names at each of its administrative levels Organization formations link with each other administratively and technically organization objectives The existence of the objectives of the organization specific and clear in the field of rationalizing irrigation water The existence of the objectives of the organization documented in the field of rationalizing irrigation water Knowledge of the employees in the organization and its objectives, especially the level at which they work The organization's goals relate to:

Tasks and duties of the organization
The existence of the tasks and duties of the organization specific and clear in the field of rationalizing irrigation water The existence of Tasks and duties the of the organization documented in the field of rationalizing irrigation water The existence of specific and clear tasks and duties for the employees of the organization Knowledge of the employees in the organization Tasks and duties of the organization especially the level at which they work The existence of a scientific and clear distribution of tasks and responsibilities among the workers in the organization There is a relationship between the tasks of the organization and its objectives to be achieved

Employees
The existence of a clear, specific and documented job description for employees in the organization it is concerned with providing extension services to vegetable growers in the field of rationalizing irrigation water the organization at all its administrative levels Appropriate job descriptions of employees to the tasks and responsibilities of the organization in a manner that achieves its objectives The job description includes the following The existence of an annual plan documented in the field of the rationalizing irrigation water Existence of a comprehensive and integrated identification of the elements and components of the organization plans The presence of specialized committees for the planning process in the organization There is an integration between the organization plans and at all its administrative levels There is an integration between the organization plans

Measure Problem Facing Vegetable Growers in the Field of Rationalizing Irrigation Water
It identified 29 paragraphs divided into five axes ( climatic problems , financial problems, technology problems, extension activities problems, equipment problems,) to study the problems facing vegetables growers in the felid of rationalizing irrigation water .And on a scale consisting of four expressions : a problem of great importance , a problem of medium importance, and a problem of little importance and a problem that dose not exist, and the following weight were determined for them respectively 1,2,3,4: with a weighted average ranging between (0.6-4) degree.The data were collected by means of the questionnaire from the research sample of 50 farmers on 10 / 4/-1/5/ 2023 and done Pre-test on questionnaire on sample was (10)Farmer in Al-Madaen Provinces in 1l4l2023 and scale questionnaire stability by Vaccronbach , The stability was 0.85% degree.And used to Analysis and treatment the data: Present, Arithmetic mean , stability done and Vaccronbach . The organization of the extension service in the field of irrigation water rationalization at the level of districts and sub-districts (agricultural divisions, extension farms) does not exist.The extension work in the extension units at that level is limited to an extension employee assigned to extension work in all agricultural disciplines (cereal crops, orchards, livestock, rationalization of irrigation water, ........ etc.).And with all groups of rural society (men, women, rural youth) and this indicates the deprivation of a large segment of vegetable growers at that level of extension service in the field of rationalizing irrigation water, and thus the weakness of the knowledge and skills of farmers in that field. The absence of interdependence between the levels of organization, as the irrigation water rationalization units in the training extension centers and extension farms are administratively and technically linked to the Agricultural Extension and Training Department, while the divisions of irrigation technologies in the agricultural extension departments are administratively and technically linked to the provincial agricultural directorates ,Which results in the absence of integration in the programs and indicative plans prepared in the field of rationalizing irrigation water.

Objectives
 It appeared that there were specific, clear and documented goals for the organization responsible for the extension service in the field of irrigation water rationalization at all levels (central, governorate, district or sub-district level). It appeared that the workers in the organization had knowledge of its objectives at all levels . The content of the organization's goals does not fit with the objectives of the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources, their policies, and their directions in facing the scarcity of irrigation water in the country. The content of the organization's goals does not match the needs and problems of vegetable growers in the field of addressing the problem of irrigation water scarcity. Comprehensiveness of the goals of the organization for all behavioral (learning) aspects of the extension service in the field of rationalizing irrigation water (knowledge -skills -attitudes).Therefore, we conclude the following:  The existence of specific, clear and documented goals for the organization responsible for the extension service in the field of irrigation water rationalization means that the extension service is carried out according to a specific and clear scientific path and direction. The incompatibility of the goals of the organization with the goals, policies and directions of the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources is due to the absence of coordinating committees or units between the mentioned ministries and the organizing units in setting goals, programs and indicative plans in the field of rationalizing irrigation water at the country level. The incompatibility of the objectives of the organization with the needs and problems of vegetable growers in the face of the scarcity of irrigation water is caused by the failure to adopt the philosophy of agricultural extension as a basis for setting and formulating its objectives, which is based on the fact that the rural community with all its components is the main element in the extension service.

Tasks and Responsibilities
 It appeared that there were specific, clear and documented Roles and responsibilities for the organization responsible for the extension service in the field of irrigation water rationalization at all levels (central, governorate, district or sub-district). It appeared that the workers in the organization had knowledge of its Roles and responsibilities at all levels. The absence of a scientific and clear distribution of tasks and responsibilities among the workers in the organization at all levels. The absence of a specific and clear relationship between the goals and tasks of the organization.Therefore, we conclude the following:  The presence of specific, clear and documented tasks and responsibilities for the organization responsible for providing the extension service in the field of rationalizing irrigation water means the existence of a guide and a policy directed in achieving its desired goals. The absence of a specific and clear tasks and responsibilities for employees in the organization . The knowledge of the workers in the organization of the tasks and responsibilities entrusted to them in advance raises the level of their performance and contributes to achieving the goals of the organization. The absence of a scientific and specific distribution of tasks and responsibilities in the organization is due to the organization's failure to adopt the principle of specialization in work  The absence of a relationship between the objectives of the organization and its tasks is due to the inclusiveness of the goals for all behavioral aspects of the extension service (knowledgeskills -attitudes).As for the tasks, they are partial in their behavioral aspects, as they focus on the theoretical side more than the practical side, and this is what appears in official documents and statements. The absence of specific and clear tasks and duties for the employees of the organization, this is due to the failure of organization and all its administrative levels to adopt the principle of division of labor in work ,which is one of the most important principle of success in extension work [13].

Employees
 The results of the research revealed the absence of a job description for the workers in the organization responsible for providing the extension service in the field of irrigation water rationalization, in a manner commensurate with the tasks and responsibilities required to be implemented to achieve the objectives of the previously defined organization, Table (3) Description of some characteristics of workers in the organization.Table 3. Description of some characteristics of workers in the organization [14]. The absence of material encouragement incentives and their confinement to moral incentives represented by letters of thanks only appeared. appeared that there was a weakness in the process of evaluating the performance of employees in the organization and that it was limited to the administrative side (work commitment, lack of absenteeism, lack of vacations) and neglect of the technical aspect of performance (executive field work), in addition to not informing the employees of their annual performance evaluation scores.Therefore, we conclude the following:  Not all workers in the organization hold higher degrees, especially administrators, although occupying administrative positions requires managers with characteristics and qualifications that make them able to influence others successfully and make the right decisions in a timely manner. Most of the workers are from non-extension agricultural specializations, and this is consistent with what Al-Jaf stated that more than 70% of the workers in agricultural extension are from non-extension specializations, and this is reflected negatively on the level of extension service provided to vegetable growers in the field of rationalizing irrigation water [15]. Most of the workers are those whose service is less than 5 years, and this indicates the lack of knowledge, skills and experience accumulated by the workers and thus the poor level of their performance of the tasks and responsibilities entrusted to them.The extension field increases the length of service as a result of increasing knowledge and skills during service. The majority of the executive staff did not receive the necessary training in agricultural extension issues and the field of specialization of organization in which they work, especially since they need training in these subjects because most of the non-extension agricultural specializations.Training is an effective means aimed at developing the capabilities of the organization's human resources and providing them with modern and advanced skills and capabilities [16]. The absence of encouraging incentives, especially material ones, means the absence of an important element in improving the performance of workers in agricultural extension in particular, and other agricultural specializations in general, as Abu Alaan indicated that there is a correlation between incentives and performance of workers [17].

Planing
 There was no written and documented work plan for the Organization for it is concerned with providing extension services to vegetable growers in the field of rationalizing irrigation water rationalization at all levels (central, governorate, district or sub-district level). The absence of planning committees specialized in preparing and drafting plans in general and extension plans in particular. The discrepancy in the number of planned extension activities of the same kind between the activities of the plans of the administrative levels of the organization responsible for providing extension services to vegetable growers in the field of rationalizing irrigation water this indicates poor coordination between units ( formation) the organization. The absence of television and radio programs , agricultural exhibitions and field day among established for the organization although it is one of the public extension methods that contribute to the delivery of information, recommendations and modern agricultural technologies to millions of workers in the agricultural sector at one time [18]. The adoption of decentralization in the development of indicative plans for the organization and at all its administrative levels , which indicates the absence of realism and weakness in meeting the needs of the targeted and solving their agricultural problem of water scarcity in particular [19]. Lack of extension programs in field of rationalizing irrigation water. Lack of extension activities Implemented at all levels (central, governorate, district or subdistrict )compared to the extension activities to be Implemented in field of rationalizing irrigation water in the Organization plans , this is due to several reasons the most important of which is the lack of interest of the concerned authorities in addressing the problem of scarcity of irrigation water and its negative impact on the agricultural sector , both plant and animal ,in the short and long term, as well as the lack of financial support in Implemented the planning the Organization . The Implementation of only tow activities for the year 2022 in district or sub-district level is due to the absence of the unit in this level and thus depriving large numbers of vegetable growers at that level of extension service in the field of rationalizing irrigation water  Tha absence of training programs in the field of rationalizing irrigation water In all levels of the Organization and thus obstructing the keeping up of vegetable growers with developments in information, expertise and agricultural technologies in the field of rationalizing irrigation water , which negatively affects the level of agricultural productivity and its quality . The lack of numbers of cadres working in the organization and entrusted with the responsibility of Implementing the guiding activities established in the Organization plans, which is due to the a of absence of a scientific job description for workers in all administrative level of the organization.

Extension and Training Activities
 The extension activities Implemented are limited to the theoretical side and the absence of the applied side, and therefore the extension educational process is not integrated in its aspects and elements. The absence of Participate of implementing vegetable growers in the research area implementing process which makes the extension activities Implemented useless and dose not achieve its purpose.

Monitoring
Results of the monitoring of the following:  Absence formal organization( unit) of monitoring extension activities conducted of the field of rationalizing irrigation water  There was no written and documented work plan of for the Organization in the field of rationalizing irrigation water  The lack of a specialized staff to conduct the of monitoring process.Therefore, we conclude the following: The lack of Organization concerned with planning , Implemented and evaluating the monitoring process of the extension activities carried out in the country in the field of rationalizing irrigation water a major reason for the absence of annual plans for this process , and therefore the lack of specific mechanisms and methods for conducting the monitoring process, and this is a major problem in the success of the extension service because of the importance of this process in the extension work , it is a tool to provide the extension programs departments with the necessary information about the programs of the Implementation process and the extent of its conformity with what was planned for it , and to correct the errors that appear during the Implementation process [20].

Evaluation
Results of the Follow -up evaluation of the following:  Absence formal organization( unit) of evaluation extension activities conducted of the field of rationalizing irrigation water  There was no written and documented work plan of evaluation for the Organization in the field of rationalizing irrigation water  The lack of a specialized staff to conduct the of evaluation process.Therefore, we conclude the following: The lack of Organization concerned with planning , Implemented and evaluating the evaluation process of the extension activities carried out in the country in the field of rationalizing irrigation water a major reason for the absence of annual plans for this process , and therefore the lack of specific mechanisms and methods for conducting the evaluation process, and this is a major problem in the success of the extension service because of the importance of this process in the extension work , it is a tool to diagnose the strengths and weaknesses of the extension programs and take the right decisions to develop, continue or stop them [21].

Objective 2 / Identifying the Problems Facing Vegetable Growers in the Field of Rationalizing Irrigation Water
The vegetable growers, the research sample in the province of Baghdad, mentioned the presence of several problems facing them in the field of irrigation water rationalization, and they were distributed among five areas (climatic, financial, related to irrigation technologies, extension, and equipment), with an average importance of relaxation between 0.6-4 degrees, as shown in the table (6 ).The installation and operation of irrigation technologies requires many tools and equipment such as (pipes, water tank, generator, etc.).

90 3
The high cost of repairing irrigation technologies in the event of a breakdown The absence of a specific and documented annual plan for the process of preparing vegetable growers for irrigation techniques 1.4 35 5 Absence of follow-up and evaluation of the processing process 0.6 15 6 It can be concluded from Table 7: that most of the problems facing vegetable growers in the field of irrigation water rationalization are of an administrative nature (planning, implementation and evaluation), technical (education, training and rehabilitation) and material (lending, installment, provision of irrigation technologies and equipment) and on all environmental, extension, training and equipment activities as follows Affects the effectiveness of the extension service and agricultural production and productivity in quantity and quality.

Conclusions
 Climate change is one of the most important issues that concern the world today (unprecedented rise in temperature, lack of rain, frequent sandstorms, etc.) because of its direct impact on the agricultural sector, which is represented by the scarcity of irrigation water for crops.Agricultural and livestock alike, and accordingly, the countries of the world and some Arab countries began to develop long-term strategies and plans to confront the problem of climate change, and with regard to Iraq, there was weakness in the procedures used to solve the problem of scarcity of irrigation water. The weakness of the extension service provided to vegetable growers in the field of rationalizing irrigation water, which is due to the weak interest of the relevant authorities in agricultural extension and the provision of requirements for its success (material, financial, human and information requirements). The large number of problems facing vegetable growers in the field of rationalizing irrigation water to address the problem of water scarcity, which stands as an obstacle to the full exploitation of agricultural lands and the advancement of the reality of the rural family and the agricultural sector in the country on the one hand, and the weakness of the solutions presented and applied to solve these problems for more than two decades on the other hand.

: 1 -
Divide by gender 2-Academic achievement 3-Scientific specialization 4-Duration of service 5 -Participation in training courses in the fields: A-Agricultural guidance b-Agricultural mechanization C-Cultivation of vegetable crops D -Rural Sociology h-Follow-up process f-Evaluation process Existence of incentives (financial or moral) for the employees of the organization annually 2 Planning annual plan Field of Rationalizing Irrigation Water Organization, Planning, Implementation, Follow-Up and Evaluation 3.1.1.Organization 3.1.1.1.Units (Levels, Titles, Links) Results of the organization evaluation of the following in light of the organizational structure of the extension system in Iraq, the organization responsible for providing the extension service to vegetable growers in the field of rationalizing irrigation water is distributed as follows:  Central level: It is represented by the department of rationalization of water consumption, which is administratively and technically related The agricultural Extension and Training Department includes five divisions (water extension, maintenance and installation of irrigation systems, agricultural meteorology, calculator and administrative matters, field irrigation and water user associations). Governorate level: It is represented by the water consumption rationalization unit within the training extension centers, which are administratively and technically linked related the agricultural extension and Training Department And the Division of Irrigation Technologies with in the Agricultural Extension Department, which is administratively and technically linked to the Directorates of Agriculture in all governorates of the country. District or sub-district level: It appeared the absence of any formation (units) specialized in providing extension service in the field of irrigation water rationalization, whether within the extension farms or the agricultural divisions.Therefore, we conclude the following:

Recommends 1 -
Ministry of Agriculture A-Providing moral encouragement and financial support to vegetable growers to obtain and use irrigation technologies and integrate them into their agricultural systems to confront the problem of water scarcity in the country.B-Taking into account the results of scientific studies and research carried out in the field of diagnosing the problems facing farmers in general and vegetable growers in particular in the areas of rationalization of irrigation water.2-TheAgricultural Extension and Training Department and its formations, and the provincial agricultural directorates and their formations :A-Develop extension and training programs in the field of rationalizing irrigation water.B-Preparing a scientific, clear and documented job description for its employees in general and for workers in the departments, divisions and units of water rationalization and irrigation technologies.C -Implementation of the largest possible number of extension activities in the plans established for them and the diversity of their fields and topics.

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Community and sample research.

Table 4 .
Scheduled at the Central Level for the Year 2022  Reach total Extension and training activities scheduled in the field of rationalizing irrigation water 225 active the year 2022  Distributed Extension and training activities on 7 types: ( Guidance seminars, distribution of guidance leaflets, field explanations, field observations, agricultural workshops, field day, agricultural training courses. Extension and training activities scheduled at the central level for the year 2022 it does not include the following : ( agricultural exhibitions, television and radio programs).Distributed Extension and training activities on 6 types: ( Guidance seminars, distribution of guidance leaflets, field explanations, field observations, agricultural workshops, agricultural training courses. Extension and training activities scheduled at the for the year 2022 district or sub-district level it does not include the following : ( agricultural exhibitions, television and radio programs and field day ).Extension and training activities scheduled in the field of rationalizing irrigation water the year 2022.
3.2.3.Extension and Training Activities Scheduled at the District or Sub-District Level the Year 2022 Reach total Extension and training activities scheduled in the field of rationalizing irrigation water 110 active the year 2022 10 

Table 5 .
Executed at the Central Level for the Year 2022  Reach total extension and training activities executed in the field of rationalizing irrigation water 35 active the year 2022  Distributed Extension and training activities on 7 types: ( Guidance seminars, distribution of guidance leaflets, field explanations, field observations, agricultural workshops, field day , agricultural training courses. Extension and training activities scheduled at the central level for the year 2022 it does not include the following : ( agricultural exhibitions, television and radio programs).3.3.2.Extension and Training Activities Executed at the Gove Level the Year 2022  Reach total Extension and training activities scheduled in the field of rationalizing irrigation water 46 active the year 2022  Distributed Extension and training activities on 4 types: ( Guidance seminars, , field explanations, , agricultural workshops, distribution of guidance leaflets.Extension and training activities executed at the Governorate level for the year 2022 it does not include the following : ( agricultural exhibitions, field observations , agricultural training courses , television and radio programs and field day ).3.3.3.Extension and Training Activities Scheduled at the District or Sub-District Level the Year 2022  Reach total Extension and training activities executed in the field of rationalizing irrigation water 2 active the year 2022  Distributed Extension and training activities on 2 types: ( Guidance seminars, ,agricultural workshops. Extension and training activities executed at the district or sub-district level for the year 2022 it does not include the following : ( agricultural exhibitions, field observations , agricultural training courses , distribution of guidance leaflets, field explanations, television and radio programs and field day ).Extension and training activities executed in the field of rationalizing irrigation water the year 2022 [15]. 11

Table 6 .
The problems facing vegetable growers in the field of rationalizing irrigation water.