Botha, C.A.J. (author), Van Rooyen, C.J. (author), and Post Graduate School for Agriculture and Rural Development, University of Pretoria; Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development, University of Pretoria
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1994
Published:
South Africa: South African Society for Agricultural Extension, Pretoria
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 100 Document Number: C08423
Address reviews the theories and misconceptions which have provided the intellectual and idealogical underpinning of misguided agricultural and rural development policies. It then discusses major misguided policies which were supported by these intellectual traditions which have been shown to reduce agricultural growth and harm the welfare of the rural poor.
James F. Evans Collection, The current wind of change sweeping across in South Africa provides a unique opportunity for the new unified agricultural extension system in the country to be set up to address the needs of not only large (i.e., commercialized) farmers but also those of the numerous small (i.e., usually less commercialized) farmers, in a way that is effective, equitable and efficient. This article reviews experiences with agricultural extension during the last few decades both inside and outside Africa. Based on this review lessons are extracted that will be important to take into account in designing the appropriate agricultural extension system for South Africa. It is important for an effective agricultural extension service to have effective, interactive linkages with the other "actors" in the agricultural development process (i.e., not only farmers, but also researchers and planners). Some specific suggestions are given on how the unified agricultural extension system might be organized and implemented in the South African situation. While recognized that it is not necessarily the ideal solution, it is proposed that public agricultural extension funds should be primarily concentrated on the smaller less commercialized farmers, while the larger farmers should be primarily catered for by the private sector. (original)
