Brower, S.L. (author) and Roskelley, R.W. (author)
Format:
Report
Publication Date:
1950
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 26 Document Number: B02642
Notes:
AgComm Teaching. Review of Extension Research 1946/47-1956, Extension Service Circular 506, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C., Logan, UT : Extension Service, Utah State AGricultural College, 1950. 9 p. (Extension Bulletin 209)
Pages 12-13 in Extension Circular 534, Review of Extension Research, January through December 1960, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. Summary of research, Agricultural Extension Service, University of Arizona, Tucson. 1960. 50 pages., Includes public attitudes toward farmers and evidence of lack of understanding of farm problems and relationship of government to agriculture.
Pages 10-11 in Extension Circular 521, Review of Extension Research, January through December 1958, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. Summary of a thesis for a Master of Science degree in agricultural extension, Michigan State University, East Lansing. 1958. 79 pages.
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.