Re-evaluating participation and monitoring in extension - lessons from an NGO's experience in Tanzania.
Based on an impact study of Concern's agricultural and community development projects in Iringa region this paper shows how the claims frequently made for participation in development projects need qualifying. The authors argue that some of the grandiose claims made for the need for participation are unhelpful. Extension can be vastly improved simply by encouraging field staff to listen more closely to farmers whilst exaggerated claims act to confuse the process of working out what exactly is needed in each specicfic case and why.