Agricultural extension as a new frontier

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themes associated with agriculture

Agricultural extension is the function of providing need and demand-based knowledge in agronomic techniques and skills to farming communities in a systematic, participatory manner, with the objective of improving their production, income, and (by implication) quality of life. Extension is essentially education and it aims to bring about positive behavioural changes among farmers.

Extension is an essential pillar both for farming community progress and as part of a strategy of agricultural research and development. Agricultural research remains an academic endeavour unless it is informed by real problems on the ground and efforts are made to deliver solutions to farmers by appropriate forms of extension. Research institutions focus on the technical aspects for generating useful technologies, while extension focuses on the acceptance and adoption of those technologies by users.

Agricultural extension has been the subject of much effort and discussion over the decades. The record of the experience is mixed. As agriculture moves back onto the agenda, extension needs to move there likewise and receive the renewed attention that it deserves.

 Source: http://www.syngentafoundation.org - 11 July 2012