Agricultural Extension II SS3 Agricultural Science Lesson Note

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to

1. Discuss the methods of disseminating new ideas and techniques to farmers
2. State the qualities, roles and problems faced by agricultural extension officers

METHODS OF DISSEMINATING NEW IDEAS AND TECHNIQUES TO FARMERS

1. Individual method

The individual method includes farm and home visits, aimed at direct contact between farmers and the extension agents. The purpose is to give advice or assistance on a wide range of farm and home problems

Examples of individual methods of disseminating ideas and innovations include

• home of the farmer
• office or farm
• telephone call
• Correspondence
• result demonstration.

 Advantages of individual method

1. It gives and obtains information that will be useful to farmers and/or researchers
2. More attention is given to the individual farmers than any other method
3. It may involve the use of the telephone which makes information dissemination faster

Disadvantages of individual method

1. It is a time-consuming method
2. It is also a very tedious method
3. Extension agents cannot reach many farmers
4. It may be very expensive e.g. telephone calls

2. Group Method

The group method involves working together with groups of farmers under the supervision of the extension worker(s).

Examples of group methods include:

• Symposia
• Lectures
• Debates
• Group discussion
• Excursions
• field trips
• group demonstration plots
• agricultural show.

 Advantages of the group method

1. It enables extension workers to reach out to many farmers at a time
2. It saves time and money
3. It is not as tedious as in the case of individual method
4. Farmers tend to show more interest in what may be introduced

 Disadvantages of the group method

1. Some members of the group may easily discourage others
2. Extension agent may not always find all members of the group to be present all the time
3. Extension officers may not be enough to carry out their jobs in many groups

3. Mass media

Mass media involves the dissemination of information through special media of communication to the farmers. Mass media include the use of radio, television, newspapers, film shows, pamphlets, banners, handbills and hand-outs.

 Types of mass media

• Electronic media: This involves the use of electronics like, radio, television, film shows, etc. to disseminate information to farmers. Through electronic media, many people can easily be reached if only they have the means. It is an expensive method by which farmers can easily be contacted.
• Print media: This involves the use of media like newspapers, banners, handbills, newsletters, hand-outs, pamphlets, etc. to disseminate information to people. Just like the electronic media, information can get to many people but illiteracy, combined with poverty would prevent many people from getting the desired information.

 Advantages of mass media

1. They can reach out to a large audience provided it is within the means
2. They may not require the presence of extension agents
3. The new techniques and innovations can easily reach the farmer at a fixed date and time e.g. either on radio or television
4. Time wasting and stress involved in going around the farmers are eliminated
5. Farmers can put the new ideas to use by themselves
6. The information, especially print media last long
7. The printed information can be posted or received by mail
8. Pictures (in electronic) can easily serve as teaching aids
9. It is useful in information dissemination to deaf but literate farmers.

 Disadvantages of mass media

1. They are very expensive to operate e.g. talks on the radio or television
2. They are only useful to the educated farmers; illiterate farmers can never benefit
3. They are only available to farmers who are wealthy enough to own television and radio sets
4. Farmers may find it difficult to ask questions on matters which they do not

 Qualities of a good extension worker

1. Originality: For an extension officer or worker to succeed he must have the native intelligence to be original in his thoughts, words and action
2. Leadership: He must be able to know the way i.e. his goal and lead the rural farmers to grasp and embrace that goal.
3. Initiative: A good extension worker must have the initiative to tackle problems himself before referring them to supervisors. He must be able to take steps without being directed
4. Organisational ability: The success of any extension activity will depend on how it is planned, organised and executed. He should be able to organise training for leaders
5. Problem-solving ability: A good extension worker must be able to recognize problems, define them in simple terms and solve them if they fall within his training and experience
6. Clear judgement: He must possess great foresight, he must be able to appreciate the problems of the farmers on the ground and know what to do to solve them
7. Reliability/honesty: An extension worker must be reliable, and a man of his word. If the agency sends him down to the rural area, he should go down to deliver the piece of information and bring back feedback. If the rural farmers discover that he is reliable, they can then assimilate the innovation and research findings
8. Communication skill: An excellent extension worker must possess good communication skills e.g. good command of the local language, boldness and oratorical abilities
9. Freedom from local politics: A good extension worker must not be involved in local politics to win the confidence of all members of the target group
10. Respect for culture and traditions: He must be a good mixer for him to succeed. He must be able to come down to their level. He should dress like them, eat whatever they present, and possibly drink their water, while not losing his goal for doing all these. By this wise behaviour he will win the hearts of the rural farmers. He should not feel superior to the farmers to achieve his goal. He must be approachable
11. Technical knowledge: With sound training, an extension worker must be able to impart knowledge. He should be able to motivate these adult learners to acquire knowledge
12. Punctuality and availability: He should be able to attend all pre-arranged meetings, seminars, workshops, etc. promptly and always make himself available

 Roles of an extension worker

1. He provides agricultural consultancy services
2. He plans and executes programmes
3. He organises and supervises farmers’ groups
4. He conducts and organises training for farmers
5. He liaises with other agencies
6. He assists in improving farmers’ outlook
7. He acts as an intermediary between researchers and farmers
8. He teaches farming practices
9. He evaluates extension programmes
10. He supervises agricultural loan usage
11. He locates marketing channels
12. He sources for farm input
13. He sources for farm loans

 PROBLEMS FACING AN AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION OFFICER

1. High level of farmers’ illiteracy
2. Absence of credit facilities
3. Insufficient motivation of extension agent
4. Inadequate resources
5. Unfavourable attitude of farmers
6. Inadequately trained extension agents
7. Uncoordinated efforts by government agencies
8. Poor transportation network
9. Inadequate evaluation machinery
10. Non-involvement of farmers in planning programmes
11. Language barriers
12. Inadequate publicity

EVALUATION:   

1. Discuss the methods of disseminating new ideas and techniques to farmers.

1. State the qualities, roles and problems faced by agricultural extension officers.

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher commends the students positively