Thesis (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin, 1959. / Extension Repository Collection. Typescript (carbon copy). Includes autobiography. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 125-127).

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin, 1958. / Extension Repository Collection. Typescript (carbon copy). Includes biographical sketch. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references (leaf 88).

Thesis (M.S.)--Ohio State University, 1985. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 61-64). Available online via OhioLINK's ETD Center

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The purpose of this study was to assess the rural Extension manpower needs and the needs for formal education in Extension in Costa Rica. The study surveyed all current Extension professionals of the Costa Rican Ministry of Agriculture Extension system to determine their educational qualifications, education in Extension, opinions regarding the educational qualifications needed to enter an Extension position and the levels of education appropriate for formal Extension education at time of the study and in 15 years and their perceptions of the current and future needs for Extension manpower in Costa Rica. Findings included: (1) all Extension professionals had a secondary level diploma and 55 percent held university level qualifications; (2) formal education was the most reported type of education in Extension; (3) twenty-five percent had neither formal education nor training in Extension; (4) the education qualifications needed and the levels of education appropriate for formal education in Extension were perceived as shifting upwards during the next 15 years; and (5) a 33 percent current and a 102 percent future increase in Extension manpower was perceived as necessary to meet clientele needs.

The purpose of the study was to assess county extension agents' knowledge of geotextiles; to determine their current level of information and their location on an adoption-diffusion curve; and to determine the agents' attitudes toward the potential use of geotextiles in agriculture, specifically in soil erosion control. A questionnaire was designed to investigate the extension agents' basic knowledge of geotextiles and current uses; and through a self-rating selection, to determine their position on an adoption-diffusion curve. The 30- item questionnaire also incorporated measures determining the agents' attitude toward, and perception of potential for, geotextile use in agricultural practices. The questionnaire was mailed to all 122 county extension agricultural, horticultural, and farm management agents in Oregon and Idaho. A total of 92 usable replies (75.4%) were received and included in the study. Descriptive statistics were employed in the analysis of the individual questions and the chi-square test was used in the analysis of nominal data for all hypotheses. The level of significance was set at .05. The development of a profile of the agents' knowledge of basic geotextile functions showed the agents were most familiar with landscape fabric; they were first introduced to the fabrics through commercial literature and extension agents/specialists; and they were first made aware 2-5 years ago. The most important project which used a geotextile in the agent's county(ies) was most frequently designed and installed by a farmer or rancher, in use less than five years, and increased productivity immediately or within one growing season. A significant relationship was found to exist between the agents' self-rating of their level of knowledge and their area of expertise. The horticultural agents' self-rating of their level of knowledge of agro-textiles was most often cited as "moderate." The crops and combination agents claimed to have "very little" knowledge and the livestock agents said "very little" or "none." Significant relationships could not be established between the agents' self-rating of their level of knowledge and the most prevalent farm or ranch land use in their county; their length of employment; and their attitude toward, or perception of, geotextile use in agricultural practices. No significant relationship could be confirmed between the curve created by the agents' knowledge and Rogers' (1958, p. 351) adoption-diffusion curve. Because agro-textiles are a relatively new product, complete adoption has not yet taken place. Therefore, the agents' curve is not expected to be normal. Results showed the major benefits in using agro-textiles were "increased productivity" and "dollars saved." Other benefits included: the savings of water and time; and the control of frost and increased soil warmth, which led to earlier harvests, longer seasons, and less loss of crops. The real and/or perceived barriers against the use of agro-textiles most cited were "too expensive" and "not cost effective." / Graduation date: 1993