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.
The OCIAC Update series is maintained in the Agricultural Communications Program records > "International" section > "OCIAC" file., Reviews the work of Robert E. Rhoades in articulating how the contributions of the agricultural anthropologist fit in with the contributions of other disciplines in the usual agricultural development project. Compares the anthropologist's contributions with those of the agricultural communicator.
Ward, William B. (author / Cornell University), Read, Hadley (author / University of Illinois), and Colle, Royal D. (author / Cornell University)
Format:
Presentation
Publication Date:
1971
Published:
India
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 122 Document Number: D11136
Notes:
From the "India visit 1971" file of the international programs section of the Agricultural Communications Program, University of Illinois., 24 pages., Presented at the second convention of Indian Agricultural Universities, at U.P. Agricultural University, Pantnagar, India,February 25-28, 1971
This article is maintained in the office of the Agricultural Communications Program, University of Illinois > "International" section > "Philippines CARD Group" file folder.
In an issue located in a chronological file entitled "INTERPAKS - Newsletter" from the International Programs records of the Agricultural Communications Program, University of Illinois., From the International Programs records of the Agricultural Communications Program, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign., Author introduces reasons why top-down management and decision making generally results in ineffective extension systems. Also addresses reasons why resistance to organizational change is so persistent and difficult. "Huge benefits will come from changing to a decentralized system that fosters acceptance of responsibility through incentives and provides for local programming through involvement and interaction with the clientele."
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Document Number: D10199
Notes:
ACDC houses page 1 of the 74-page posting. The full posting was retrieved from: revolvy.com/page/developmentcommunication, Definition posted in Wikipedia
