Describes a technology-based research pilot project undertaken by The Commonwealth of Learning with Jamaica and Ghana to investigate the use of video in demonstrating farming techniques. Maintains that video production done at the regional level will allow farmers to relate to information relevant to their own agricultural situations. (Contains 3…

Building on the tradition of agricultural extension, this article discusses several changes in thinking regarding the relations between communication and innovation. Starting from the idea that network building, social learning and conflict management are key processes to be supported by communication professionals, the article makes critical…

The continued downturn across the agri-sector evident by indicators such as loss of farm income, low produce prices relative to retail prices, increased management costs of production and declining contribution of agriculture to the National Gross Domestic Product. During this period it has become evident that the importance of grassland farming…

Describes a study conducted to determine if extension agents could expand their audience through a series of statewide on-farm meetings. The study also sought to determine if the on-farm approach would result in adoption of recommended mastitis control practices. Results are presented and discussed. (CT)

The village adult education center holds the key to the success or failure of rural adult education programs. To meet the objectives of field work, new methodologies and approaches are needed, and programs must be strongly community-based. (SK)

An off-campus training program for rehabilitation teachers of the visually impaired in rural areas was cosponsored by Dominican College and the New York State Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped. A unique feature of the program was the use of on-site rehabilitation teachers as adjunct faculty. (Author/JDD)

Prosperity--continuous and sustainable wealth creation--is an elusive goal in South African smallholder agriculture. This paper suggests that agricultural extension can facilitate realising this objective if an appropriate approach to extension can be developed. To develop such an approach requires that the definition of extension and the…

Examines a rural field-based inservice delivery system that enhanced intellectual growth, self-concept, and staff communication. Cites problems arising when format changed from workshops to a new M.Ed. program. Notes problems of funding, distance, resources, and university/state requirements. Gives recommendations for making graduate courses…

A study of rural Indian villages was undertaken to determine the availability of agricultural publications and the extent of use by farmers. Low utilization was related to illiteracy, inaccessibility of villages, and lack of government and university extension activity. Recommendations included increasing the publication and distribution of farm…

A survey of limited income farmers in Georgia indicates that they are younger and more educated than their predecessors and have increased their contacts with county extension agents. (LRA)

Examples of entrepreneurship in open education include (1) Australian courses molded to reflect industry needs; (2) Australian and Canadian rural outreach programs using telecommunications, interactive video, and information technology; and (3) the Institute of New Venture Creation at Australia's Canning Senior College, developed in conjunction…

Community clusters allow small towns to combine their efforts to enhance economic development, promote tourism, or share public services. Two successful clusters of communities in Iowa are the Area Community Commonwealth and the North Iowa Rural Area Development. Both clusters participated in Iowa State University's Cooperative Extension Service…

North Carolina State's humanities-extension program operates through the university's cooperative-extension service. The program was begun when there was a realization that future interest in the humanities might drop, and the university wanted to find outreach outlets for the school's faculty members. (MLW)

Underscores the importance of extension education, particularly agricultural extension, in developing countries. Addresses extension education's place within a university, using Nigeria as a point of reference. Considers the nonformal role of a university extension department. Presents a typology of university extension courses (e.g., intramural,…

This article describes how the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Cooperative Extension Service (CES) might serve as a model for improving the dissemination of education research and development results. After reviewing the distinctive aspects of each dissemination system, various features of CES are listed that might be replicated and others that…