JWSS - Journal of Water and Soil Science

Agricultural colleges have three main objectives: training, research, and offering public services. Transfer and dissemination of agricultural knowledge and technology is the best example of universities’ services. In this regard, agricultural extension has the important role of linking agricultural colleges with agricultural industry. The linkage between extension and agricultural colleges is effective in promoting the two organizations and ultimately enhancing the development of agriculture. Therefore, the significance of this linkage has been emphasized by many program planners as well as researchers.

This descriptive research was conducted to analyze the perception of the faculty members at Agricultural College of Shiraz University and the extension agents and specialists of Fars Province. A theoretical framework was developed based on a “communication model”, and forty-seven factors effective in establishing and promoting the linkage between research and extension were recognized. The results revealed that the most important factor in research-extension linkage is “the degree of contact and knowledge of local agricultural affairs by researchers”. The paper concludes by providing recommendations that could be used to strengthen the interaction between research and extension institutions.