New Challenges for Extensionists: Targeting Complex Problems and Issues

Extension workers often ask Who should we target? This paper argues that different questions should be asked which elicit new extension paradigms and problem improvement methodologies to help prepare them for changing roles in the future. It is argued that new approaches are required to address complex issues and conflicting goals. Thus, it asks What issue should we target now? Approaches to complex issues are explored through a systems approach which looks beyond biological and physical aspects to socio-economic, political and environmental questions. Problem solving must thus accommodate both people and issues. Checkland's soft-systems methodology is presented as a feasible approach. An example is given of agricultural students applying the methodology to a university farm.