Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 163 Document Number: C26957
Notes:
Background paper for the World Development Report 2008 by the World Bank and affiliated organizations. 44 pages., A background paper for "Innovating through science and technology," Chapter 7 of the World Development Report 2008.
Daku, Lefter (author), Norton, George W. (author), Taylor, Daniel B. (author), Petrela, Eivis Qenani (author), and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
California Polytechnic State University
Format:
Online journal article
Publication Date:
2007-07-30
Published:
United States: Taylor & Francis
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 109 Document Number: D10967
12 pages, via online journal, Following the economic reforms in the early 90's, most of the south-eastern European countries (SEE) made efforts to establish agricultural extension services. However, a number of factors including tight governmental budgets, lack of experience, and the existence of vested interests have constrained the development of extension services. This paper examines the rationale for public funding of extension programs and evaluates the incentive structure for private and public provision of agricultural extension service in the SEE countries. It suggests a medium and long-term approach with a primary focus on institutional design. Two groups of factors that affect the private sector supply of extension are analyzed: (i) demand and supply-side factors that affect the profitability of the service and (ii) factors arising from the public-good nature of extension output, externalities, and moral hazards that affect the appropriation of returns of the service. The main conclusion is that the SEE countries should try to achieve a public-private extension balance by following a gradual approach toward privatization of the agricultural extension service. However, the paper advocates a continued important role for the public sector to correct for potential undesirable effects of private advisory services.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 158 Document Number: C25825
Notes:
Packet of materials that represent a public education campaign about agriculture in Switzerland. It includes a DVD, "Swiss farmers - keeping the land alive" - 8-page booklet, "Agriculture creates cultures: a portrait of Swiss agriculture" - agriculture-oriented photo cards - directory of farm visit sites - and other materials.
Posted at www.agrimarketing.com/show_story.php?id=45430, Features the award-winning public relations entry for McDonald's, which sponsored a Food Quality Symposium.
