PERCEPTIONS HELD BY LEGISLATORS TOWARD THE LOUISIANA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE

Abstract

Members of the Louisiana Legislature were surveyed to determine their perceptions of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service (LCES) and to identify factors that affected their perceptions about the LCES. The factors included in the study were: familiarity with LCES programs, perception of effectiveness, source of LCES information, and participation in LCES programs. The study also determined the association of selected characteristics with legislators' perceptions. Legislators were familiar with the LCES, with the 4-H program receiving the highest familiarity. The agriculture and 4-H programs were perceived as very effective by legislators. Legislators indicated that printed information, personal contacts, newsletters and newspaper articles provided moderate exposure to LCES. A majority of the legislators had attended at least one 4-H youth development activity. Rural legislators were more likely to perceive LCES as effective. Agriculture Committee membership was the best predictor of perception of the effectiveness of LCES programs. One key recommendation was that the LCES should initiate a program designed to strengthen and improve the image of the LCES held by legislators.