Biggs, Stephen D. (author), Ewell, Peter (author), McAllister, Jean (author), Merrill-Sands, Deborah (author), and Merrill-Sands: Research officer, International Service for National Agricultural Research; Ewell: Research officer, International Potato Center; Biggs: School of Development Studies, East Anglia University, UK; McAllister: School of International Affairs, Columbia University, New York
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1989-07
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 94 Document Number: C07148
INTERPAKS, Presents the prominent components of the training and visit extension system and describes the first experiences in African countries. The critical gleaned from the first experience are: the selection of the contact farmer and his capability to assist actively in conveying messages to other farmers; motivation of extension staff, who may have a higher workload than before; qualifications to train field staff supervisors and subject-matter specialists; transport facilities for staff; availability of new research results; and a firm government commitment to implement the system. The system appears to be adaptable to different farming conditions, provided the pace of introduction is not too fast, and evaluation takes place right from the beginning. Suggest the T & V system may not be suitable for agricultural systems at very high and very low development levels.
