Extension and Outreach: Not a Question of If, but How

Abstract

In this article, the authors develop a conceptual framework for effective extension and outreach. Based on both our experiences and research and those of leading scholars and practitioners in the field, we offer the following ten ideas for thought, debate, discussion, and implementation. Effective extension systems must: be institutionalized, well-defined, and well-funded; address important/contemporary issues/problems; be sufficiently nimble and flexible in order to address emerging issues; be a credible and unbiased source for information/education and solutions/research; understand the needs of its customers; embrace participatory and integrated approaches; recognize that little happens in isolation and create regional/global sustainable partnership/linkages with governments, NGOs, researchers and educators; be excellent stewards of resources acquired; recognize that return on investment (ROI) from its research and outreach must be well-documented; and allow for decentralized decision-making and action when warranted.

The Future of Extension: A Network Emergence Perspective from the Case of the Global Forum for Rural Advisory Services

“…In the past extension personnel may have been a single point of contact for knowledge and technology transfer for their clientele. Today extensionists represent only one of many potential sources of information for clientele (Lindner & Dolly, 2013). Information sources range from internet-based material in the form of Google searches and YouTube videos to training provided by private industry.…”

Trinidad Food Producers’ Training Needs for Food Security and Implications for Extension

“…This is aligned with the theoretical position that effective Extension systems must address important contemporary issues or problems (Lindner & Dolly, 2012). At present, the incentive program is based on inputs, and is cumbersome to administer and often results in late payments to farmers further exacerbating their challenges.…”

“…Results of this study suggest better communication may be needed of the research and development initiatives being undertaken to meet food security objectives. This is in keeping with Lindner and Dolly (2012) who suggested that for an Extension System to be effective, it must be seen as a credible, unbiased source of information and present solutions based on research.…”

“…In Trinidad, there exists a pluralistic extension system with state-assisted organizations and private providers involved alongside the public extension system. Partnerships and linkages among government agencies, NGOs, researchers, and educators have been postulated to be key factors in building and an effective extension system (Lindner & Dolly, 2012). Wynn et al (2013) also noted that a coordinated effort is key for adoption of new practices.…”

“…The theoretical framework is based on the conceptual framework proposed by Lindner and Dolly (2012). In this work, Lindner and Dolly proposed effective extension systems must: be institutionalized, well-defined, and well-funded; address important/contemporary issues/problems; be sufficiently nimble and flexible in order to address emerging issues; be a credible and unbiased source for information/education and solutions/research; understand the needs of its customers; embrace participatory and integrated approaches; recognize that little happens in isolation and create regional/global sustainable partnership/linkages with governments, NGOs, researchers and educators; be excellent stewards of resources acquired; recognize that return on investment (ROI) from its research and outreach must be welldocumented; and allow for decentralized decision-making and action when warranted.…”