Woods, John L. (author / University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)
Format:
Readings
Publication Date:
1973
Published:
Office of Agricultural Communications, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 137 Document Number: C20850
Notes:
Appendix L, syllabus, 79 pages, Fall 1973, from "Final report : MUCIA grant C-49 : March 10, 1971 to February 28, 1974", various pages within tabbed sections
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 116 Document Number: C12679
Notes:
Pages 175-187 in William M. Rivera and Daniel J. Gustafson (eds.), Agricultural Extension: worldwide institutional evolution and forces for change. Elsevier Science Publishers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. 312 p.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 7 Document Number: D09985
Notes:
This paper abstract is maintained in ACDC storage As part of Document Number D09983, From the files of the Agricultural Communications Program, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Pages 25-61 in Workshop on communications linkages between national programs and international agricultural organizations. Cali, Colombia, April 14-18,1986.
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.