Current Status and Development Requirements of Artificial Intelligence Applications in Agricultural Extension for Climate Change Adaptation: A Comparative Study between Egypt and Iraq

الملخص

The study aimed to identify the current state of the use of artificial intelligence technologies in agricultural extension work and their role in addressing climate change, as well as to explore the major obstacles hindering the employment of these technologies. In addition, the study sought to determine the requirements necessary for developing agricultural extension services through the use of artificial intelligence technologies. This was achieved through a comparative study between Sharqia Governorate in the Arab Republic of Egypt and Baghdad Governorate in the Republic of Iraq. The study adopted a comparative descriptive approach, and a questionnaire was used as the primary instrument for data collection. The study population consisted of all agricultural extension agents and personnel working in agricultural extension in the two governorates. The sample included 214 respondents from Egypt and 228 respondents from Iraq, with a total of 442 respondents. A comprehensive census method was employed. Data were analyzed using a range of descriptive statistical techniques, including frequencies, percentages, weighted means, and relative weights.
The findings revealed that the use of artificial intelligence technologies in agricultural extension was moderate in both countries, with Iraq recording a higher level than Egypt, where the overall mean score reached 3.14 in Iraq compared with 2.89 in Egypt. Respondents also showed strong positive perceptions regarding the role of AI technologies in addressing climate change impacts, especially in agricultural decision-making, climate prediction, and water resource management, with higher perceptions reported in Iraq. The study identified major obstacles, including weak technological infrastructure, limited funding and governmental support, inadequate training, and shortages of specialized personnel. Furthermore, the findings emphasized that improving smart agricultural extension requires strengthening digital infrastructure, increasing financial and policy support, providing specialized training, and enhancing cooperation between extension and research institutions. The study recommended adopting integrated digital transformation strategies, expanding AI capacity-building programs, and developing smart agricultural extension systems to improve climate adaptation and agricultural sustainability in both Egypt and Iraq.