Agricultural Extension II – SS3 Agricultural Science Lesson Note (First Term)

Agricultural extension is the out-of-school service that passes new ideas, techniques and research findings to farmers. It uses three methods: the individual method, the group method and mass media.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Define agricultural extension and name the three methods of disseminating new ideas to farmers.
2. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each method.
3. State the qualities of a good extension worker.
4. State the roles and problems of agricultural extension officers.

What are the methods of disseminating new ideas and techniques to farmers?

There are three methods of disseminating new ideas to farmers: the individual method, the group method and mass media.

What is the individual method?

The individual method is direct contact between one farmer and the extension agent to give advice or help on farm and home problems.

Examples of the individual method

• Farm visit: the agent visits the farm to see problems on the spot.
• Home visit: the agent meets the farmer and family at home.
• Office call: the farmer visits the extension office for advice.
• Telephone call: advice is given quickly without travelling.
• Correspondence: advice is given by letter.
• Result demonstration: the agent shows a farmer the results of a new practice on the farmer’s own plot.

Advantages of the individual method

• Useful information: the agent gives and obtains information useful to farmers and researchers.
• More attention: each farmer gets more attention than in any other method.
• Speed: the telephone makes information reach the farmer faster.

Disadvantages of the individual method

• Time-consuming: one farmer is attended to at a time.
• Tedious: the agent travels from farm to farm.
• Limited reach: the agent cannot reach many farmers.
• Costly: some means, such as telephone calls, may be expensive.

What is the group method?

The group method is the working together of groups of farmers under the supervision of the extension worker.

Examples of the group method

• Symposia: several speakers present views on one topic to farmers.
• Lectures: the agent talks to a group on a farming topic.
• Debates: farmers argue for and against an idea.
• Group discussion: farmers share ideas and questions under guidance.
• Excursions and field trips: farmers visit a successful farm or research station.
• Group demonstration plots: a plot is used to show a new practice to a group.
• Agricultural show: crops, animals and equipment are displayed to the public.

Advantages of the group method

• Wider reach: the worker reaches many farmers at a time.
• Saves time and money: one meeting replaces many visits.
• Less tedious: it is not as tiring as the individual method.
• Interest: farmers tend to show more interest in what is introduced.

Disadvantages of the group method

• Discouragement: some members of the group may easily discourage others.
• Absence: the agent may not find all members present.
• Few officers: there may not be enough extension officers to handle many groups.

What is mass media?

Mass media is the passing of information to many farmers at once through special channels of communication.

What are the types of mass media?

There are two types of mass media: electronic media and print media.

• Electronic media: radio, television and film shows carry information to many people who own the sets. They are costly to run.
• Print media: newspapers, banners, handbills, newsletters, hand-outs and pamphlets carry information in writing. Illiteracy and poverty stop many farmers from using them.

Advantages of mass media

• Large audience: they reach many people, if the people have the means.
• No agent needed: they may not require the presence of extension agents.
• Fixed time: new ideas reach farmers at a set date and time, for example a radio programme.
• Saves effort: the time and stress of going around farmers are removed.
• Self-use: farmers can put the new ideas to use by themselves.
• Long-lasting: printed information lasts long.
• Posting: printed information can be posted or received by mail.
• Teaching aids: pictures on television and film can serve as teaching aids.
• Deaf farmers: they help deaf farmers who can read.

Disadvantages of mass media

• Costly: they are expensive to operate, for example radio or television talks.
• Literacy needed: print media are of little use to illiterate farmers.
• Ownership: only farmers who can afford radio and television sets benefit.
• No questions: farmers find it hard to ask questions about points they do not understand.

How do the three methods compare?

The table compares the three methods on contact, reach, cost and feedback.

What are the qualities of a good extension worker?

A good extension worker is a trained, honest and skilled person who wins the trust of farmers and helps them adopt new ideas.

• Originality: has the native intelligence to be original in thought, words and action.
• Leadership: knows the goal and leads farmers to accept it.
• Initiative: tackles problems before referring them to supervisors and acts without being directed.
• Organisational ability: plans, organises and carries out activities, including training for leaders.
• Problem-solving ability: recognises problems, states them simply and solves those within his or her training.
• Clear judgement: has foresight, understands farmers’ problems on the ground and knows how to solve them.
• Reliability and honesty: keeps his or her word, delivers information and brings back feedback. Reliable workers earn farmers’ trust.
• Communication skill: speaks the local language well and speaks with boldness.
• Freedom from local politics: stays out of local politics to win the confidence of all members of the target group.
• Respect for culture and traditions: mixes freely, comes down to the farmers’ level and accepts their hospitality.
• Approachability: does not feel superior to farmers.
• Technical knowledge: has sound training and can motivate adult learners to acquire knowledge.
• Punctuality and availability: attends pre-arranged meetings, seminars and workshops promptly and is always available.

What are the roles of an extension worker?

The roles of an extension worker are the duties he or she performs to help farmers improve their farming.

• Consultancy: provides agricultural advice and consultancy services.
• Programmes: plans and carries out extension programmes.
• Farmers’ groups: organises and supervises farmers’ groups.
• Training: conducts and organises training for farmers.
• Liaison: works with other agencies.
• Outlook: helps to improve farmers’ outlook.
• Link with research: acts as intermediary between researchers and farmers.
• Teaching: teaches farming practices.
• Evaluation: evaluates extension programmes.
• Loan supervision: supervises how agricultural loans are used.
• Marketing: locates marketing channels for farm produce.
• Inputs: sources farm inputs.
• Credit: sources farm loans.

What problems face an agricultural extension officer?

The problems of an extension officer are the difficulties that reduce the success of extension work.

• Farmers’ illiteracy: many farmers cannot read printed materials.
• No credit facilities: farmers cannot afford the inputs that the agent recommends.
• Low motivation of agents: poor reward reduces their zeal.
• Inadequate resources: shortage of funds, vehicles and teaching materials.
• Unfavourable attitude of farmers: some farmers resist change.
• Poorly trained agents: some agents lack the skills needed.
• Uncoordinated government efforts: agencies work separately and not together.
• Poor transportation: bad roads make rural farmers hard to reach.
• Inadequate evaluation machinery: success of programmes is hard to measure.
• Farmers not involved in planning: programmes may not meet farmers’ needs.
• Language barriers: the agent may not speak the farmers’ language.
• Inadequate publicity: farmers may not know about the services offered.

Evaluation

1. Define agricultural extension.
2. Name the three methods of disseminating new ideas to farmers and give two examples of each.
3. State three advantages and three disadvantages of the group method.
4. List five qualities of a good extension worker.
5. State four problems faced by extension officers.

Assignment

Write a short note on how an extension worker would introduce a new improved cassava variety to farmers in a village, naming the method or methods you would use and giving reasons.