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Pistachio is a strategic crop that constitutes a significant portion of Iran's non-oil exports. However, despite its potential, the country's pistachio yield per hectare has been declining, which may jeopardize Iran's unique global position amidst rising competitors. To address this issue, educational and extension programs aimed at improving the knowledge, attitudes, and skills of pistachio gardeners are vital. In this context, the "Timely Management Project for Iranian Pistachio Orchards" was launched by the Institute of Agricultural Education and Extension across 13 pistachio-producing provinces. The initiative established 52 model agricultural extension sites dedicated to the timely management of pistachios. These sites implemented various techniques to enhance the management of pistachio cultivation, thereby improving the knowledge, attitudes, and skills of both pistachio gardeners and the extension agents involved. It is crucial to evaluate the effectiveness of these educational-extension activities in fostering technical knowledge, behavior, and skills, as well as examining the socioeconomic effects of the training provided at these sites. To this end, the educational, extension, and economic effectiveness of the project was assessed. The study's statistical population consisted of gardeners participating in the 52 extension model sites for the timely management of pistachios across the 13 provinces. A representative sample was selected from among the gardeners and extension agents involved at different phases of the project. In terms of gardeners changing behavior, the results demonstrated that the model sites were particularly effective in enhancing two key aspects of pistachio orchard management: pest management and nutrition management. Overall, the sites were ranked highest in two dimensions: "relevance of training to the gardeners' needs" and "reduction of gardeners' errors." Specifically, the procedures, techniques, and training provided for the "optimal use of pesticides" and "reduction of pesticide consumption" received the highest effectiveness ratings regarding behavioral change among pistachio gardeners. In evaluating the project's in comprehensive approach, most components received average scores above four on a Likert-type scale (where 1 is very bad and 5 is very good). The highest-rated components included: selection of the trainer (4.92), impact of the extension agents' course (4.62), achievement of project objectives (4.29), selection of extension agents (4.17), main site unit selection (4.17), subordinate gardens of the site (4.16), and organization of the project (4.03). However, areas needing relative improvement included: evaluation of the timing and location of extension agents' courses (3.81), examination of incentives (3.35), coordination of extension agents' training courses (3.23), coordination and supervision (3.22), and monitoring and feedback (3.13), all of which were higher than mediocre level (3) but below the satisfactory level. Regarding the satisfaction of extension agents with the training courses, the average satisfaction rating was above satisfactory, with the highest scores recorded for the instructor (4.74), course content (4.63), and organization (4.19). Additionally, economic analysis revealed that the model sites generated higher profits per hectare compared to non-member gardeners. Interestingly, gardeners who were members of subordinate gardens reported lower profits than their non-member counterparts. The qualitative findings from the project provided valuable insights into detailed mechanisms of effectiveness and unexpected outcomes.
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