INTERPAKS, In: Jones, G.E., ed. Investing in rural extension : strategies and goals. New York : Elsevier Applied Science Publisher, 1986. p. 65-87. (Paper presented at an international conference held at the University of Reading in September 1985), Defines economic studies of extension in three classes: 1) economic consequences or impact of extension, 2) efficiency with which extension resources are utilized, and 3) determinants of investment in extension. Reviews the studies in the first and third classes and then discusses some of the implications of these studies for the second class of studies. Part I provides an overview of international data on spending for research and extension to provide perspective from which to review economic studies. Part II discusses the evidence from extension impacts on farm production and productivity, farm income, farm employment, farm size, and on the value of farm assets. Part III discusses studies of political and economic factors that influence spending on extension. These facts include international aid to extension programs as well as domestic factors. Lastly, Part IV provides a discussion of implications for efficient organization of extension programs.
