Emphasis on a farmer-centered approach by Extension rather than a top-down approach. "...farmers are still in control of which new technologies they will accept, and understanding must precede adoption."
Review of John F.A. Russell, "Essential ingredients of an effective extension service and some issues arising from World Bank experience in sub-Sahara Africa." Presented to Zimbabwe's Annual Project Review Conference, May 1985.
Located in a chronological file entitled "INTERPAKS - Newsletter" from the International Programs records of the Agricultural Communications Program, University of Illinois., From the International Programs records of the Agricultural Communications Program, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign., An invited reassessment by the author of a book, Hard Tomatoes and Hard Times, in which he faulted U.S. land grant universities for abandoning the original intended focus on serving small, low-resource farmers. Emphasized farmers' need for neutral, unbiased assessment of new, often very specialized, technologies. "...and at the same time they will need generalists who can assist in developing comprehensive, integrated farming systems that can depend on lessons learned decades ago as well as new knowledge."
Hanne, Features a rural counseling service by Illinois Extension during a financially stressful period, emphasizing the mission to serve clientele in a responsive way, however rural needs change.
Summarizes remarks by James Beebe, "A farming systems approach as a tool in linking research and extension." Presentation to research and extension experts at Los Banos, Philippines, April 1986.