Masters Theses

Date of Award

6-1977

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Agricultural Extension

Major Professor

Robert S. Dotson

Committee Members

Cecil E. Carter Jr., Franklin O. Leuthold, James G. Snell

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop some broad principles to serve as a guide to agents in developing effective Rural Youth (i.e., Al-Sadiq Club) work in Iraq. Seventy-three principles of successful Rural Youth Club work gleaned from the literature were tested in terms of their acceptance as principles by Iraqi and American panels; the panels agreeing to the way in which they were worded; and panelists rating their relative importance to successful Rural Youth Club work. The two panels, one made up of ten Iraqi Rural Youth authorities and the other of seven American 4-H Club authorities, were requested to react to these principles by mail questionnaire. American panelists had responded to an earlier study by Jayaramaiah. Responses were classified under the five generally-accepted program planning headings of participa-tion, organization, leadership, recognition and sponsorship, in descending order of approval. The comparison between the two panels (i.e., Iraqi and American) was made and 45 principles approved which were accepted in each case by both panels. Principles recommended for an Indian situation also were compared. Another 22 items approved by the American authorities were not favored by the Iraqi authorities. Three items approved by the Iraqi authorities were disapproved by the Americans. Only five items were not approved as principles by either group. The ratings of the two panels were discussed under five Rural Youth Club program planning areas of participation, organization, leadership, recognition and sponsorship. The reactions of the panels in each of these categories were as listed below: Six participation principles were finally accepted out of a total of 12 items listed. Two items were disapproved by the American Panel, and six items were disapproved by the Iraqi. Thirteen organization principles were selected out of a total of 27 considered. Four items were not favored by the American Panel, and twelve items were not approved by the Iraqi. Thirteen leadership principles were selected from an initial list of 17 items considered. All 17 items were approved by the American panel, but the Iraqi failed to agree with four of them. Eleven recognition principles were selected out of 15 items considered. One item was disapproved by the American Panel, but the Iraqi failed to agree with three of them. The two sponsorship principles were approved finally by both panels. After a study of the situation of Rural Youth Club work in America, Iraq, and India, it was considered worthwhile to apply these findings to the Iraqi situation with suitable modification. The 45 successful principles accepted in this study were duly modified to suit Iraqi rural situations, and recommendations were made for their use as a guide for Iraqi Rural Youth Extension workers to use in developing effective Al-Sadiq Club work. Recommendations were made for use of findings and for further study.

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