Modernizing and reforming extension systems

A new FAO publication (in PDF format) modernizing national extension systems provides practical, action-oriented guidelines which policy-makers could use in reforming extension systems.

The report introduces the "key concept" of extension as "providing need- and demand-based knowledge and skills to rural men, women and youth in a non-formal, participatory manner, with the objective of improving their quality of life." The author goes on to discuss some global developments that pose challenges to traditional extension organizations. He provides a framework that can be used to determine whether there exists a real need to reform extension and a set of guidelines and key actions that could be used to transform traditional agricultural extension services into a "viable modern force capable of meeting new challenges."

Tags: agricultural information extension knowledge