Extension and learning

The history of extension work is examined, emphasising changes in extension workers attitudes towards farmers and the link between extension and research into new technologies and products. The shift from the transfer of technology to farmer first approaches is noted. Existing extension officers are often blamed for poor approaches to extension, and the skills and local knowledge that they have built up over time is ignored. In the case of Vietnam, extension for appropriate technology is competeting with a new factor - private extension promoting individual techologies. The use of PRA in extension is unclear, with limited applicability as extension workers are already in day to day contact with the farmers. It is recognised, however, that fundamental shifts in the planning process are needed. The emphasis should be on appropriate communication skills, developed over time.