Agricultural extension education model to household food security (AEE to HFS) in Khouzestan province, Iran

Abstract

The purpose of the research was to designing an agricultural extension education model to support household food security in Khouzestan province, Iran. To achieve the purpose of the research, a mixed quantitative and qualitative research method was used. The statistical sample in the qualitative stage, which determined by theoretical saturation of the data, was 30 key informants and agricultural extension experts of Khuzestan province. The statistical sample of the quantitative part was determined based on Cochran’s formula of 110 extension experts. Grounded theory method was used for data analysis in the qualitative stage and structural equation model was used in the quantitative stage. Based on the ground theory method, causal conditions, axial phenomenon, intervening conditions, contextual conditions, strategies and consequences, were identified, and a paradigm model was developed. Then, based on the structural equation model method, the SEM model was formulated and validated. Based on the results, 69% of the changes in Agricultural Extension Education to Household Food Security (AEE to HFS) were explained by the independent variables of causal conditions, contextual conditions and intervening conditions. The most important policy implications of this study are to provide appropriate content, structure, framework, and strategies for planners and policymakers of the agricultural extension sector of Khuzestan province in the field of household food security.