Agricultural extension in developing countries can be a major source of support for small-scale farmers. In Haiti, the majority of the agricultural population is made up of smallscale farmers. In the past, Haiti’s extension system has suffered from various governmental instabilities in the nation. This study sought to (a) determine the information channels smallscale farmers use in the North Department of Haiti, (b) determine the accessibility of quality information as perceived by small-scale farmers in the North Department of Haiti, and (c) identify the perceived barriers to successful production of small-scale farmers in the North Department of Haiti. Results from this study showed Haitian farmers in the North Department gain their information for farming from a variety of sources. The farmers in this study varied in their perceptions of the accessibility of quality information in the area. While some farmers participated in groups with extension services, most farmers had not participated in these groups. Farmers in this study also displayed a lack of trust towards service providers in the region. Farmer perceptions of external factors as barriers towards production illustrated a sense of powerlessness in their production practices. Recommendations include using opinion leaders to engage small-scale farmers and build trust towards service providers.

Decision-making is an essential aspect of farming. The decisions farmers make affect their overall yield and, ultimately, impact their livelihoods. Understanding the different factors impacting farmer decision-making can provide insight for extension providers to improve the quality of service. In Haiti, the vast majority of farms are smallholder farms averaging less than 1.5 hectares (Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Rural Development [MARNDR], 2010). The purpose of this study was to determine the decision-making practices of small-scale farmers in Northern Haiti related to crop production. The following research objectives guided the study: (a) identify the factors associated with crop selection, and (b) identify reasons farmers engage in specific practices for crop production. Results from this study found that small-scale farmers in the North Department reported using the following factors to determine crop selection: financial security, familial traditions, concern for family, and availability of financial resources. When determining practices for crop production, farmers relied on the following drivers: financial limitations and previous learning experiences. Recommendations include increasing the availability of resources to the farmers in this region in order to create a solid foundation for behavior adoption and increased farmer capabilities.

Return on investment (ROI) is a commonly used metric for organizations concerned with demonstrating the value of their investments; it can be used to determine whether funds spent providing professional development programs for Extension professionals are good investments. This article presents a method for calculating ROI for an onboarding program on the basis of the changes in competency levels from before to after program participation. Although limitations to the method exist, the data generated can be used for engaging in meaningful discussions about the value of investing in professional development in Extension organizations.

County Extension offices are responsible for the majority of programming delivered in the United States. The purpose of this study was to identify and explore assets influencing the quality of county Extension programs. A basic qualitative research design was followed to conduct constant comparative analysis of five Extension county program review reports. Using the appreciative inquiry process as the lens through which to view the county program review reports revealed multiple assets leading to quality programming. Assets of the reviewed county Extension programs were found to cluster within the following themes: competent and enthusiastic Extension faculty, community partnerships, engaged and supportive stakeholders, effective resource management, sufficient and stable workforce, meeting stakeholder needs, positive reputation, access to facilities, positive relationships between county and state faculty, and innovative practices. The use of both needs-based and assets-based paradigms will provide Extension organizations with a more holistic understanding of its assets and a research-based foundation from which to make decisions about strengthening the organization at all levels.

Extension organizations are challenged to provide onboarding to new employees that is comprehensive and high quality, yet cost-effective. The purpose of this study was to explore Extension agents' perceptions of participating in an onboarding program that used a blended approach involving face-to-face and online learning components. The objectives were to (a) describe the perceptions of participants in the Fall 2014 cohort, (b) describe the perceptions of participants in the Spring 2015 cohort, and (c) compare the perceptions between the Fall 2014 and Spring 2015 cohort participants. Two focus groups were conducted with participants from each cohort and a cross-case analysis was conducted with the data. Results showed participants were open to the blended approach and liked being able to work asynchronously but desired improvements in quality, communication, interaction, and applicability. A review of the process with greater consideration of, and adherence to, the principles of adult education is recommended.