Assessment 3.

1. Extension Approaches-Extension is very concentrated and geared toward a single

product or crop, and the agent performs a variety of responsibilities. The training and
site visit strategy. This rather centralized strategy is based on a meticulously planned
schedule of farmer visits and agent and subject matter specialist training. According to
Kromah (2016), the following are the extension approaches:
 The general agriculture extension approach. Unlike numerous other methods,
this one presupposes that suitable technology and expertise exist but are not
being used by local people. Typically, the technique is fairly centralized and
government-controlled. The acceptance rate of recommendations and gains in
national production are used to determine success. This is a top-down
government strategy in which choices, resources, and significant support to
agricultural communities are controlled by the government agency responsible
for extension services in various areas, zones, and counties.
 The commodity specialized approach. The fundamental feature of this method
is that it combines all of the tasks for improved production - extension, research,
input supply, marketing, and pricing - under one administration. Extension is very
concentrated and geared toward a single product or crop, and the agent
performs a variety of tasks. For example, in Liberia, we have the fire stone rubber
firm, which specializes in rubber and latex goods, as well as the Sime Darby
palm producing cocoa, and rubber company, which specializes in three products
for the Liberian market and exports.
 The training and visit approach. This strategy is based on a meticulously
organized schedule of farmer visits and training for agents and subject matter
specialists, SMS. Research and extension are kept in close contact. Agents are
exclusively involved in the transfer of technology. Increases in the production of
specific crops or commodities are associated with success. The individual, group
method, and mass media technique are the three ways utilized in T&V.
 The agricultural extension participatory approach This method frequently
focuses on the expressed demands of farmer groups, with the objective of
increasing output and improving rural living quality. Implementation is frequently
decentralized and adaptable. The number of farmers actively engaging and the
viability of local extension groups are used to determine success. This method is
completely participative, with both parties feeling a sense of connection to the
project being done.
 The project approach. This strategy focuses attention on what is needed and
demanded by beneficiaries and funders, implying that initiatives to be executed
must be supported by the general public and must be necessary and demand
 driven, since projects selected must fulfill the urgent requirements of
beneficiaries or end users.
 The farming systems development approach. The use of systems or a holistic
approach at the local level is a fundamental feature of this form of expansion.
Close collaboration with researchers is necessary, and technology for local
requirements is produced locally through an iterative process engaging locals.
The extent to which local people accept and continue to use the program's
technology is used to determine success. This method is used with the general
public's full participation.
 The cost-sharing approach. This strategy argues that cost-sharing with local
people (who do not have the financial resources to pay the entire cost) would
encourage a program that is more likely to satisfy local needs and in which
extension agents are more responsible to local interests. Its goal is to offer
farmers with guidance and information to help them develop themselves. Local
farmers in Liberia, for example, are deemed impoverished, but they are also rich
in knowledge, natural resources, and the availability of manpower as part of the
cost-sharing strategy.
 The educational institution approach. This strategy employs educational
institutions with technical expertise and some research capacity to deliver
extension services to rural residents. Those who establish school curricula
frequently have authority over implementation and planning. The focus is
frequently placed on the transmission of technical information.

2. Factors to Consider in the Choice of Method

According to Wilson and Gallup (1955), The extension worker's teaching approaches
have a direct impact on the efficacy of his efforts. This is true regardless of whether the
extension instructor is a county extension agent or a State subject-matter specialist, or
whether the learner is a farmer, farm lady, farm youngster, or nonfarmer. Understanding
the capabilities and limits of current teaching tools is critical for wise selection and
efficient usage. The extension worker must use judgment on a regular basis while
selecting the working instruments that he believes are necessary to complete the task at
hand. The technique or combination of procedures that is likely to be more successful
than other methods in achieving the intended goals is sought.

3.Individual Method of Extension - Individual or face-to-face means of extension are

arguably the most widely employed in both rich and developing nations. The extension
agent visits the farmer at home or on the farm and discusses matters of mutual interest,
providing both information and guidance to the farmer. The meeting's environment is
generally informal and easygoing, and the farmer may benefit from the agent's
personalized attention. Individual encounters are arguably the most essential part of all
extension work, and they are vital for establishing trust between the agent and the
farmer, (Oakley and Garforth 1985).

4. Group Methods of Extension- According to Oakley and Garforth (1985), the

extension agent should consider using a group approach. Over the last decade, the use
of groups in extension has grown more frequent, and a number of new ideas on how to
utilize groups most successfully have arisen. The widely used Small Farmer
Development Programme (SFDP) in Southeast Asia, for example, was founded on
group methods and has generated two manuals that describe the concept of group
extension work. Furthermore, in Latin America, work with extension groups in Brazil and
Colombia has demonstrated the value of extension group development and how these
groups may assist extension activities.

5. Mass Media Methods - To enlighten the public, mass extension methods employ the
utilization of mass media, such as radio, posters, theatre, television, newspapers, films,
and slide shows. The primary purpose of mass media is to raise awareness, (Tengnäs,
1994).
Advantages of mass extension methods:
• These approaches can improve the effect of extension personnel by allowing for the
quick dissemination of knowledge.
• Many individuals can be reached in a short period of time, especially in distant regions.

Disadvantages of mass extension methods:

• The amount of information that can be transmitted is limited;

• Radio and television reception is poor in some areas, and the target group may not
own sets, particularly televisions;
• It is difficult to assess the impact because there is no immediate feedback; and
• Production of both programs and printed materials is expensive and requires special
skills.

References:
Abibatu,K.(2016). Extension Approaches. Retrieve from:
 https://meas.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Kromah-Abibatu-2016-
Extension-Approaches-in-Agricultural-Extension.pdf

Wilson and Gallup (1955). Extension teaching methods and other factors that influence
adoption of agricultural and home economic purposes. Retrieve from:
https://mospace.umsystem.edu/xmlui/bitstream/handle/10355/50569/ec495-
1955.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y

Oakley and Garforth (1985) guide to extension training. Retrieve from:

http://www.fao.org/3/t0060e/t0060e00.htm#contents

Tengnäs (1994). AGROFORESTRY EXTENSION MANUAL FOR KENYA. Retrieve from:

http://apps.worldagroforestry.org/Units/Library/Books/Book
%2006/html/12.3_extension_methods.htm?n=127#:~:text=Mass%20extension
%20methods%20involve%20the,shows%2C%20to%20inform%20the
%20public.&text=These%20methods%20can%20increase%20the,time%2C
%20even%20in%20remote%20areas.

Guide to extension training

P. OAKLEY AND C. GARFORTH
1985
http://www.fao.org/3/t0060e/T0060E00.htm#Contents