Mattocks, D.M. (author), Steel, R.E. (author), and Winrock International Institute for Agricultural Development, Morrilton, AK; Winrock International Institute for Agricultural Development, Morrilton, AK
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1992
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 93 Document Number: C06974
James F. Evans Collection; Adapted from a presentation entitled "Bridging the research-farmer gap : examining the role of nongovernmental organizations in agricultural extension" contained in Conference Proceedings, 1992 Symposium for Research in Agricultural and Extension Education; 1992 May; Columbus, OH
This study "finds that, historically, telecommunications rollout has had a positive and significant impact on increasing inequality and little impact on quality of life variables." Authors also find evidence that the Internet will also be a force for income divergence.
Zinyama, L.M. (author / Department of Geography, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe) and Department of Geography, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1988
Published:
UK
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 70 Document Number: C03028
This paper describes the rationale for a change from conventional extension towards participatory innovation development and extension. The "Conservation Tillage Project" and the "Food Security Project" developed such an approach and have embarked on institutionalisation of this approach into the agricultural extension service in Masvingo Province in Zimbabwe. Dialogue with farmers, farmer experimentation and the strengthening ofself-organisational capacities of rural communities are the major elements to improve development and spreading of innovations, thus the efficiency of extension. The new approach requires a role change of agricultural extension workers from teacher to facilitator as well as appropriate methods and tools. Elements of "Training for Transformation" and Participatory Rural Appraisal(PRA) were tested and developed and were found to be effective tools. The strategy to institutionalise participatory extension is based on joining efforts and networking with other organisations, a campaign to familiarise institutional staff and a training and follow-up programme for staff in the framework of organisational development. The experiences show that the attitudinal change required to implement participatory approaches is highly depended on personalities. To have an impact on the change of attitudes a continuous medium-term training process with a close follow-up is required. The paper concludes that institutionalisation of participatory approaches into hierarchically structured organisations is a highly complex intervention. In order to besuccessful, major changes in planning, implementation and monitoring and evaluation procedures are required. Changes of that nature require a process of at least 5 to 10 years and high commitment on the side of institutional staff on all levels and donors as well.
