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• Objectives of the topic

  1. Explain the factors to consider in choosing an extension method

  2. Enumerate the various extension methods according to classification

  3. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of each extension method
• Factors to consider in choosing an extension method

  • Human Factors
  • Objective
  • Subject matter
  • Available materials and facilities
  • Time
• Classification of extension methods

  1. Individual Method

  2. Group Method

  3. Field or Practicum Extension Methods

  4. Mediated/Mass Media Methods
• Individual Method


  • Most effective for others to be undertaken by or within the full control of the individual farmer or household
• Group Method


  • The group approach involves working with groups or the community at large
• Field or Practicum Extension Methods

  • Involves practice and real objects or specimen, best done outside and in real work situations
• Mediated/Mass Media Methods


  • Used when the source of the message or the extension worker is not present (face to face)
• Individual Method - Farm and Home Visit

  Get first-hand information from the farmer about his farm situation
• Other individual methods


  • Letters
  • Phone calls
• Advantages of the group method

  • Cheaper than the individual approach
  • More people are reached within the given period of time
  • Exchange of ideas and experiences among the group
  • Easy to monitor
• Disadvantages of the group method

  • May take a long time to arrive at a decision
  • Influential people in the community may dominate discussions
  • Difficult to get people to agree on issues and work together
  • Individual problems are not well addressed in a group
  • People who are not members of the group will not be reached
• Field Trips and Cross Visits

  Planned or guided visits to successful farmers' farms or forestry sites
• Advantages of Field Trips and Cross Visits

  • Effective way of imparting knowledge through actual observation
  • Sharing experiences with successful farmers
• Disadvantages of Field Trips and Cross Visits

  • Requires a lot of coordination
  • Expensive
  • Tiresome to participants
• Technology or Methods Demonstration


  • Demonstrates a particular technology, innovations, or process like removal of thorns
• Advantages of Technology or Methods Demonstration

  • Interesting
  • Can easily follow the procedure or the steps
• Disadvantages of Technology or Methods Demonstration

  • Expensive and time-consuming
• Advantages of Mass Extension Methods

  • These methods can increase the impact of extension
• Advantages of mass extension methods

  • These methods can increase the impact of extension staff through rapid spread of information
  • Many people can be reached within a short time, even in remote areas
• Disadvantages of mass media methods

  • The amount of information that can be transmitted is limited
  • Radio and television reception is poor in some areas and the target group may not own sets, particularly TVs
  • It is difficult to evaluate the impact since there is no immediate feedback
  • Production of both programmes and printed materials is costly and requires special skills
• Print Media


  • Primer
  • Leaflet
  • Brochure
  • Booklet
  • Handouts
  • Newsletters
• Advantages of Print Media

  • People have confidence in printed form
  • Attractive and handy format
  • Well-organized info; can be localized
  • Supplement other methods
• Disadvantages of Print Media

  • Literate audience
  • Need for regular updates
  • Information prepared for general distribution may not fit local conditions
  • Impersonal
• Broadcast Media


  • Radio
  • Television
• Advantages of Broadcast Media

  • Can reach a large number of audience
  • Transcends geographical barriers
• Disadvantages of Broadcast Media


  • Airtime is expensive
  • Broadcast facilities are not easily available
• Advantages of Exhibit as a Mediated/Mass Media Extension Method


  • Can motivate viewers to action
  • A good way of promoting the products/innovations as the viewers can see them
• Disadvantages of Exhibit as a Mediated/Mass Media Extension Method


  • Requires a lot of creativity
  • Expensive
• School Approach


  • Seminar
  • Training
  • Lecture
• Advantages of School Approach

  • Participants get to discuss projects, activities and problems together with the EW
  • Provides the attendees with opportunity to interact
  • Best in development of skill and knowledge of the speaker and the participants through exchange of ideas
• Disadvantages of Seminar


  • Expertise
  • Presence of expert may inhibit participation of participants
• Advantages of Training


  • Specific objective with corresponding competency-based output
• Disadvantages of Training


  • Required thorough planning, and implementation with budgetary support
• Advantages of Lecture


  • Can present more materials in a given time
  • Can be combined easily with other methods
  • Can be used in-door or out-door, provided the AV equipment is available
• Disadvantages of Lecture


  • Exchange of ideas is very limited
  • Cannot be used if one wishes to search skills
• Plutarch: 'The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be ignited'