Extension is an essential pillar for research and
development. However, unfortunately, a somewhat unhealthy perception of
extension prevails in many developing countries, caused by a weak extension
lobby, faulty initial organizational set- up, an inlienent lack of
trust in extension by most of the research organizations, and traditionally
poor career development condition in the profession of extension.
Agricultural research agendas remain largely academic
unless extension workers provide input in terms of the identified and as yet
unsolved field problems of the farmers. Research focuses on the technical
aspects for generating useful technologies. While extension focuses on the
acceptance and adoption of those technologies by users.
Applied research institutions need strong extension services to work in a field problems oriented mode, and the extension services need the back stopping of strong applied agricultural research institutions to effectively serve the farming communities.
Countries like the united states of America, Canada, Australia and Denmark, which have very advanced agriculture, have always enjoyed strong extension services, first public, and now public and /or private.
Applied research institutions need strong extension services to work in a field problems oriented mode, and the extension services need the back stopping of strong applied agricultural research institutions to effectively serve the farming communities.
Countries like the united states of America, Canada, Australia and Denmark, which have very advanced agriculture, have always enjoyed strong extension services, first public, and now public and /or private.