CHAPTER 3: PHILOSOPHY, PRINCIPLES, AND PRACTICE OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION Flashcards
reflects the guiding principles of fostering education,
sustainability, community involvement, and innovation, all while promoting fairness and inclusivity
in rural development.
Philosophy of agricultural extension-
PHILOSOPHY OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION
- Empowerment and Education:
- Sustainability and Development
- Community-Centered Approach:
- Equity and Inclusivity:
- Innovation and Adaptation:
Extension services aim to educate farmers and
rural communities by providing them with knowledge and skills to improve agricultural
practices, productivity, and livelihoods.
Empowerment and Education:
The focus is on promoting sustainable
agricultural practices that balance environmental, economic, and social goals.
Extension agents work to foster long-term development that benefits current and future generations.
Sustainability and Development:
Extension philosophy emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing the specific needs of local communities.
Community-Centered Approach:
Agricultural extension services should be accessible to all, regardless of gender, socioeconomic status, or geographic location. The philosophy promotes the idea that extension should work towards reducing disparities and promoting equality in agricultural development
Equity and Inclusivity:
Principles provide the framework for designing and implementing effective agricultural
extension services. The emphasis on ensures that extension activities are relevant, context-specific, and beneficial
to farmers and rural communities.
education, participation, sustainability, and
adaptability-
Various experts, such as Van den Ban and Hawkins,
Rivera and Alex, and Mosher, have written extensively on these principles, offering
- Principle of Need-Based and Demand-Driven Services:
- Principle of Participation:
- Principle of Adaptation to Local Conditions
- Principle of Education
- Principle of Sustainability:
- Principle of Innovation and Continuous Learning:
- Principle of Two-Way Communication:
- Principle of Gender and Social Inclusion:
o Extension programs should be tailored to meet the specific needs and
demands of farmers and rural communities. This ensures relevance and
increases the likelihood of adoption of new practices and technologies( Oakley,
P., & Garforth, C, 1985)
Principle of Need-Based and Demand-Driven Services:
o Farmers and rural communities should actively participate in the identification,
planning, and implementation of extension activities. This participatory
approach fosters a sense of ownership and enhances the effectiveness of the
interventions (Rivera, W. M., & Alex, G, 2004)
Principle of Participation:
o Extension messages and technologies should be adapted to fit the local
ecological, cultural, and socio-economic conditions of the farmers. This
principle stresses the importance of context-specific solutions (Van den Ban,
A. W., & Hawkins, H. S, 1996)
Principle of Adaptation to Local Conditions:
o Extension is fundamentally an educational process, aiming to provide farmers
with the knowledge and skills needed for better decision-making in farming
practices. It emphasizes the role of extension agents as educators, not merely
providers of information (Mosher, A. T., 1978).
Principle of Education:
:
o Extension should promote agricultural practices that are environmentally
sustainable, economically viable, and socially acceptable. The goal is to ensure
long-term productivity without degrading the natural resource base (Pretty, J.,
1995).
Principle of Sustainability
o Extension services should encourage continuous learning and the adoption of
new technologies and innovations. It fosters a culture of experimentation and
adaptability among farmers (Rogers, E. M.,2003).
Principle of Innovation and Continuous Learning:
o Effective agricultural extension relies on two-way communication between
extension agents and farmers. Feedback from farmers is crucial for adjusting
programs to meet their actual needs (Chambers, R, 1997)
Principle of Two-Way Communication:
o Extension services should address the needs of all segments of the rural
population, including women, youth, and marginalized groups. This principle
emphasizes equity and inclusiveness in access to extension resources
Principle of Gender and Social Inclusion:
- is to improve the quality of life for farmers and rural communities by enhancing agricultural productivity, sustainability, and overall rural development
goal of agricultural extension
Ultimate Goal of Agricultural Extension:
- Enhancing Rural Livelihoods:
o Improve the living standards of farmers and rural populations by increasing
Objectives of Agricultural Extension:
- Increase Agricultural Productivity:
- Promote Sustainable Agricultural Practices
- Facilitate Technology Transfer and Innovation:
- Enhance Problem-Solving Skills:
- Strengthen Farmer Decision-Making:
- Foster Community Development and Empowerment:
- Improve Market Access and Income Generation:
- Support Food Security and Nutritional Improvement:
o Equip farmers with knowledge and technologies to boost crop and livestock
production while ensuring efficient use of resources.
Increase Agricultural Productivity:
o Encourage environmentally friendly farming techniques to preserve soil, water,
and biodiversity for future generations
Promote Sustainable Agricultural Practices:
o Serve as a bridge between research institutions and farmers to introduce new
tools, technologies, and farming methods that can improve productivity.
Facilitate Technology Transfer and Innovation: