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.
Claar, J.B. (author) and Watts, Lowell H. (author)
Format:
Proceedings
Publication Date:
1984
Published:
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: C12532
Notes:
Francis C. Byrnes Collection, Pages 3-13 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.
Hailu, Berhane (author) and Haile, Mitiku (author)
Format:
Book chapter
Publication Date:
2001
Published:
Ethiopia
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Document Number: D01212
Notes:
Pages 310-324 in Waters-Bayer (eds.), Farmer innovation in Africa: a source of inspiration for agricultural development. Earthscan Publications, Ltd., London, England. 362 pages.
Ewell, Peter (author / Regional coordinator in East Africa, International Potato Center (CIP)) and Regional coordinator in East Africa, International Potato Center (CIP)
Format:
Book chapter
Publication Date:
1990
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 81 Document Number: C04780
Notes:
In: Kaimowitz, David, ed. Making the link : agricultural research and technology transfer in developing countries. Boulder, CO : Westview Press, 1990. p. 151-196
Echeverria, Ruben (author), Pray, Carl (author), and Pray: Associate Professor of Agricultural Economics, Rutgers University; Echeverria: Research fellow, ISNAR
Format:
Book chapter
Publication Date:
1990
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 81 Document Number: C04858
Notes:
In: Kaimowitz, David, ed. Making the link : agricultural research and technology transfer in developing countries. Boulder, CO : Westview Press, 1990. p. 197-226
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: C12533
Notes:
Francis C. Byrnes Collection, Pages 14-21 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.
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., Nine guidelines for national research systems in the transfer of information about new agricultural technologies, with emphasis on maximizing communication, interaction, and collaboration between researchers and transfer agents during the entire development process, from national to local levels.
