AgEx

• Approaches in Extension

  Axinn (1988) identified eight different approaches to extension work
• Extension approach


  An organized and coherent combination of strategies and methods to make extension work effective in certain areas
• Extension method


  An orderly and systematic procedure of doing something
• Factors to Consider in the Choice of Method

  1. Instructional Objective

  2. The Nature of the Subject Matter

  3. The Nature of the Learner

  4. The Teacher (Extension Agent)

  5. Time

  6. Availability of Facilities and Resources
• Individual Methods of Extension


  Provide a one-on-one or face-to-face interaction of people
• Group Methods of Extension


  More frequently used in extension work to reach more people than using individual contacts alone
• Extension strategy


  A plan intended to achieve a purpose and a long-term plan of action designed to achieve a particular goal
• Extension technique


  The various methods and processes developed through knowledge, skill, and experience
• Approaches in Extension

  • General Agricultural Extension Approach
  • Commodity Approach
  • Training and Visit Approach
  • Agricultural Extension Participatory Approach
  • Project Approach
  • Farming Systems Development Approach
  • Cost-Sharing Approach
  • Educational Institution Approach
• Categories of Extension Teaching Methods

  • Individual Methods
  • Group Methods
  • Mass Methods
• Individual Methods

  • Farm and Home Visits
  • Office Call
  • Personal Letters
  • Informal Contacts
  • The Model Farmer
  • The Field Flag
  • Telephone/Cell Phone Call
• Extension respects cultural differences. Extension work is centered on the cultural background of the people with whom the work is done
• Role Playing


  Simulation or dramatization describing a simple scenario relevant to the concerns of the participants. Participants conduct role playing to present a social situation or problem
• Result Demonstration


  Long-time demonstration that shows a comparison between the new practice or recommendation and the existing practice in the locality
• Mass media methods


  • Technology intended to reach a mass audience. Primary means of communication used to reach the vast majority of the general public
  • Particularly useful in carrying out information to large numbers of people quickly
• Extension begins where the people are and with what they have. The extension agent must suit the program to their social, cultural, financial, and intellectual levels. To relate extension teaching with the characteristics of the people and the place where they live
• Informal Group Discussion

  Consists of a small group (3 – 10) that get together to bring up and talk about common problem/concern. Also, to help each other in the community
• Group method examples

  • Method Demonstration
  • Result Demonstration
  • Meetings
  • Informal Group Discussion
  • Lecture
  • Role Playing
  • Seminar-workshop
• Definition of Principle
• Lecture


  Systematic way of presenting information to a group of listeners
• Method Demonstration


  1. Short time activity that shows how a new technique and practice is done step by step

  2. Shows how to use a tool, a new method of planting or how to prepare a newly developed food product
• Group methods of extension teaching


  • More frequently used in extension work since the extension agent can reach more people than using individual contacts alone
  • Provides an opportunity for exchange of ideas, discussions of problems, etc. with a group of people
• Meetings


  Organized assembly of a group of people set up by extension agent for a specific purpose
• Seminar-workshop


  Consists of actual work. Participants must have developed some materials, formulated an agreed solution to a problem common to all, or accomplished a plan of action for situations as individuals or groups
• Extension responds to people’s needs and interests. Extension programs are based on the people’s needs and interests. This can be done through surveys, meetings with various sectors, and informal talks with people living in the area
• Mass media methods examples

  • Television
  • Radio
  • Newspapers
  • Publications
  • Newsletters
  • Exhibits
  • Posters
• Principle is a fundamental truth and a settled rule of action. It is a statement of policy which guides an individual to make decisions and actions in a proper and consistent manner
• Various roles and functions of an Extension Agent

  • Enabler
  • Educator
  • Facilitator
  • Mediator
  • Catalyst
  • Organizer
  • Stimulator
  • Farmer aid
  • Activist
• Main areas of skills required of an extension agent

  • Organization and planning
  • Communication
  • Analysis and diagnosis
  • Leadership
  • Initiative
• Personal qualities needed for an Extension Agent

  • Committed to extension work
  • Reliable in work and relationships with farmers
  • Humble in work with farmers
  • Confident
• Extension

  1. Respects cultural differences

  2. Involves the whole family

  3. Works with and through people, not for them

  4. Promotes effective local participation in the development process

  5. Is a multi-level and multi-layer communication transaction

  6. Builds the spirit of self-help

  7. Builds local leadership

  8. Works at the grassroots
• Types of knowledge that an extension agent must have

  • Technical knowledge
  • Rural life
  • Policy
  • Adult education