Summary from Donald A. Dillman, "Cooperative Extension at the beginning of the 21st Century," address presented at the National Community Resource Development Program Leaders Workshop, Utah State University, September 24, 1985.
Hightower, Lisa (author), Carter, Hannah (author), Strickland, Rochelle (author), and Cannon, Karen J. (author)
Format:
Abstract
Publication Date:
2009-06-06
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 172 Document Number: C29134
Notes:
Presented at the international conference of the Association for Communication Excellence in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Life and Human Sciences, Des Moins,Iowa, June 6-9, 2009.
Childs, J.R. (author / Agriculture Branch, Department of Primary Industries, Queensland, Australia) and Agriculture Branch, Department of Primary Industries, Queensland, Australia
Format:
Conference paper
Publication Date:
1988
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 74 Document Number: C03670
Notes:
James F. Evans Collection; See C03651 for original, In: Zazueta, Fedro S., and Bottcher, A.B. (Del), eds. Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Computers in Agricultural Extension Programs; 1988 February 10-11; Lake Buenavista (Orlando), FL. Gainesville, FL : University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, 1988. Vol. 2, p. 640-645
17 pages., Agriculture can serve as an important engine for economic growth in developing countries, yet yields in these countries have lagged far behind those in developed countries for decades. One potential mechanism for increasing yields is the use of improved agricultural technologies, such
as fertilizers, seeds, and cropping techniques. Public sector programs have attempted to overcome information-related barriers to technological adoption by providing agricultural extension services. While such programs have been widely criticized for their limited scale, sustainability, and impact, the rapid spread of mobile phone coverage in developing countries provides a unique opportunity to facilitate technological adoption via information and communication technology (ICT)-based extension programs. This article outlines the potential mechanisms through which ICT
could facilitate agricultural adoption and the provision of extension services in developing countries. It then reviews existing programs using ICT for agriculture, categorized by the mechanism (voice, text, internet, and mobile money transfers) and the type of services provided. Finally, we identify potential constraints to such programs in terms of design and implementation, and conclude with some recommendations for implementing field-based research on the impact of these programs on farmers’ knowledge, technological adoption, and welfare.
