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26 views2 pages

Presentor-4 090744

Uploaded by

kaks2090
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Chapter 1: Basic concepts of agricultural extension

1. 1. Why extension is important?


Extension is essentially the means by which new knowledge and ideas are introduced into rural areas in order
to bring about change and improve the lives of farmers and their families. Extension, therefore, is of critical
importance. Without agricultural extension, farmers would lack access to the support and services required to
improve their agriculture and other productive activities. The critical importance of extension can be
understood better if its three main elements are considered:

Knowledge  Communication  Farm Family

1.2. What is the meaning of extension?


Extension is an informal educational process directed toward the rural population. This process offers advice
and information to help them solve their problems. Extension also aims to increase the efficiency of the family
farm, increase production and generally increase the standard of living of the farm family.

1.3. What is the objective of extension?


The objective of extension is to change farmers' outlook toward their difficulties. Extension is concerned not
just with physical and economic achievements but also with the development of the rural people themselves.
Extension agents, therefore, discuss matters with the rural people; help them to gain a clearer insight into
their problems and to decide how to overcome these problems.

1.4. Principles of extension


 Extension works with people, not for them
 Extension is accountable to its clients
 Extension is a two-way link
 Extension works with different target groups
 Extension cooperates with other rural development organizations
 Equitable Services delivery to farmers
 Efficient/Effective Services Delivery
 Decentralization, Local Decision Making
 Demand Led Extension Services
 Working primarily with Farmers Groups
 Strong Extension Research Linkage
 Capacitating Extension Personnel
 Appropriate Extension Methodology
 Integrated Extension Support Services
 Coordinated Agric. Extension Services
 Improved Environmental Support

1.5. Who is an extension agent?


The whole extension process is dependent upon the extension agent, who is the critical element in all
extension activities. If the extension agent is not able to respond to a given situation and function effectively, it
does not matter how imaginative the extension approach is or how impressive is the supply of inputs and
resources for extension work. Indeed, the effectiveness of the extension agent can often determine the
success or failure of an extension program. The extension agent has to work with people in a variety of
different ways. It is often an intimate relationship and one, which demands much tact and resourcefulness.
The agent inevitably works with people whose circumstances are different from his own. He is an educated,
trained professional working with farmers, many of whom have little formal education and lead a way of life,
which may be quite different from his.

1
1.6. What are the functions of an extension agent?
 Assist farmers to identify and overcome problems
 Assist farmers to make better use of resources/technology
 Introduce new technologies (new varieties, crops, breeds, etc.)
 Provide information on new promising research results
 Create opportunities for farmers (processing, marketing, etc.)
 Help farmers to put new information into use/apply it
 Assist farmers to get a clear vision of their development

1.7. Knowledge extension workers must have:


Four main areas of knowledge are important for the extension agent and form the basis of extension training.

 Technical
 Rural life
 Policy
 Adult education
 Cultural knowledge, etiquette & language
 Religious protocols

1.8. Necessary personal skills for extension workers


 Organization and planning
 Communication
 Analysis and diagnosis
 Leadership
 Initiative
 Public speaking
 Report writing

1.9. Key personal qualities for extension workers


 Commitment to extension work
 Reliability
 Humility in his work with the farmers
 Confidence in his own abilities and determination to achieve something

1.10. Who are the target of agricultural extension workers?


Adult farmers including men and women. However, communities members including children can also be
included in the trainings to increase their interest in agriculture.

1.11. What are basics on adult learning?


Target groups of agricultural extension are female and male farmers in the age of 15 to 65. Compared to
children and teens, adults have special needs and requirements as learners. Adult learners can be described by
the following characteristics with the following obvious consequences for Agricultural Extension:

 Adults are autonomous and self-directed


 Adults have accumulated a foundation of life experiences and knowledge
 Adults are goal-oriented
 Adults are relevancy-oriented
 Adults are practical,
 As do all learners, adults need to be shown respect

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