In an issue 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., Review of a book, Farmer first: farmer innovation and agricultural research, edited by Robert Chambers, Arnold Pacey, and Lori Ann Thrupp, Intermedia Technology Publications, London, 1989.
Saito, Katrine A. (author) and Spurling, Daphne (author)
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1993
Published:
International: International Program for Agricultural Knowledge Systems (INTERPAKS), Office of International Agriculture, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Document Number: D07291
2 pages., Via UI online subscription., Purpose: This paper examines extension practises of agricultural workers within the Egyptian government and the perceived barriers they face in implementing participatory approaches, identifying improvements required in research and extension processes to meet the real needs of Egyptian farming communities.
Design/Methodology/Approach: Key barriers for engaging in participatory extension were identified using content analysis of semi-structured interviews, surveys and focus group discussion of 37 government agricultural workers along with participant observation and review of existing literature.
Findings: The majority of workers surveyed understood basic participatory extension principles and desired to use these approaches. Changing from traditional ‘top down’ extension to systems that engage with farmers' needs at the community level is made difficult due to the aging and poorly functioning Village Extension Worker (VEW) network. Thus, it is far easier for the research driven extension programmes to use technology transfer models.
Practical Implications: Participatory extension relies on strong relationship building and open communication between farmers, extension workers, researchers, interest groups and policy-makers. The Egyptian government must properly establish and resource the pivotal role of VEWs within the extension system to meet its strategic aims of modernising agriculture, developing food security and improving the livelihoods of rural inhabitants.
Originality/Value: This paper captures the unique perspectives of government research, extension and education workers involved in agricultural development at a time directly after the 2010 revolution, when they were able to more openly reflect on the past and present situations.
In an issue 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., Author introduces reasons why top-down management and decision making generally results in ineffective extension systems. Also addresses reasons why resistance to organizational change is so persistent and difficult. "Huge benefits will come from changing to a decentralized system that fosters acceptance of responsibility through incentives and provides for local programming through involvement and interaction with the clientele."
In an issue 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., Summary of a presentation by Charles H. Antholt, Asian Region of the World Bank, at an Extension seminar in Islamabad, Pakistan, March 7, 1990. Case examples of new factors to be considered involving the relevance and responsiveness of agricultural extension: interdependence of nations thrugh trade and telecommunications, limits of land an water resources, and budgetary constraints in all governments. Caneed for closer integration between agricultural universities and extension.
Evans, James F. (author), Dahl, D.T. (author), and Evans: Professor of Agricultural Communications, University of Illinois; Dahl: Head, Office of Agricultural Communications, University of Illinois
Format:
Book chapter
Publication Date:
1984
Published:
International
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 73 Document Number: C03491
Notes:
John Behrens Collection; see C03480 for original. Project material for this chapter is located in the "INTERPAKS -FAO Manual" file of the International Projects section in Agricultural Communications Program records, College of Agriculture, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign., In: Swanson, Burton E., ed. Agricultural extension : a reference manual. 2nd ed. Rome, Italy : Food and Agriculture Organization, United Nations, 1984. p. 156-160, Outlines functions, structure, organization, staffing, and staff training for communications support within research and extension organizations focused on agricultural and rural development.
