Reports a study of the extent that informal support systems might compensate for lack of formal services in rural retirement communities. Demonstrates working with local Extension offices to identify study committees, gather information, perform research valuable to Extension workers, and provide information helpful to the rural population and…

Four administrators of the Cooperative Extension System share their views concerning recent substantial changes in the system's focus of programing, sources of funding, and organizational structures; the need for all disciplines involved in extension to grapple with societal problems; and relationships with institutions of higher education. (LP)

Traces the development of extension education from 1887 to the Smith-Lever Act of 1914. Focuses on the roles of U.S. Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Plant Industry and the Association of American Agricultural Colleges and Experiment Stations in fostering federal legislation that established the Cooperative Extension System. (SV)

Reviews experiments in Kenya and Nigeria attempting to modify the progressive-farmer strategy. Success requires that extension services recognize small farmers' ability to make their own rational decisions and involve farmers in planning and implementing extension programs. Available from: Rural Sociological Society, 325 Morgan Hall, University of…

Agricultural research and extension institutions in Latin America increased agricultural productivity during 1950-75 but deteriorated during the mid-1970s because they were unable to adapt to a heterogeneous agricultural sector and the changing demands of society. External pressure may be necessary to force these institutions to serve the needs of…

Discusses current problems for cooperative extension services, particularly regarding relevance and effectiveness of extension education programs. Suggests extension programs develop research-based knowledge to improve practices and technology for social and economic change. Describes alternative model of services beyond information dissemination.…