Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 67 Document Number: C02666
Notes:
3 copies, James F. Evans Collection. Burton Swanson Collection. Delmar Hatesohl Collection., Rome, Italy : Information Division, Development Support Communication Branch, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 1987. 38 p.
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.
International: International Program for Agricultural Knowledge Systems (INTERPAKS), University of Illinois, Urbana, and Office of International Programs, Colorado State University, Fort Collins.
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: Byrnes6 Document Number: C12535
Notes:
Francis C. Byrnes Collection, Pages 31-34 in J.B. Claar and L.H. Watts (eds.), Knowledge transfer in developing countries: status, constraints, outlook. Proceedings of a conference on international extension at Steamboat Springs, Colorado, during July 1983. 59 p.
11 pages., via online journal., In recognition of the importance of communication in extension work and agriculture, this study assessed communication methods used among core sub-programs of the Enugu State Agricultural Development Program (ENADEP). Sixty-three staff were randomly selected to participate in the study. Statistical tools such as percentage, mean score, and factor analysis were used in data analysis. Findings show that a downward (top-down) communication flow was most common, with posters and workshops as primary communication tools. Technology review meetings and training were major situations in which communication occurred, while achievement of ENADEP objectives was the most important motive for communication. Communicator knowledge about subject matter was the top-rated factor that enhanced communication; security/credibility- and human/autocracy-related problems were major constraints to effective communication. The study recommends a de-emphasis on top-down communication approaches and encourages use of digital/information communication technology (ICT) tools to minimize the gap between generation and dissemination of information and its application.
Amenumey, Felix K. (author), Greiman, Bradley C. (author), and Association for International Agricultural and Extension Education
Format:
Paper
Publication Date:
2009-05
Published:
Ghana
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 185 Document Number: D00437
Notes:
Pages 37-43 in the proceedings of the 25th annual meeting of the Association for International Agricultural and Extension Education in San Juan, Puerto Rico, May 24-28, 2009.
