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…

The objective of this paper is to describe and analyse the role that study groups might play in improving the entrepreneurial competencies of farmers. The most important competencies are described. Emphasis is placed on group learning processes and participatory approaches. Theories of adult learning and extension paradigms in relation to our…

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…

This document contains a case description of an adult education program in St. Lucia, a volcanic island in the Windward group of the West Indies. The case study is part of a set that reflects a cooperative effort by adult educators to increase international understanding of various educational programs for adults in their societal context. A face…

The study was made to consider cultural factors related to the acceptance or nonacceptance of farm practices. Some major conclusions were: (1) demonstrators should be in the age group 30-45, (2) reading material should be at the seventh or eighth grade level, (3) meetings should be convenient for small or disadvantaged farmers to attend, (4)…

"The People and the University" Conference, held at the University of California, Davis, on June 22, 1973 was concerned with redirecting research priorities for land-grant schools, particularly work done by agricultural scientists. Also discussed were the social and human implications of the work being done in the colleges. The presentations at…

Various programs describe how rural development in underdeveloped nations is effectively increased by close cooperation between the extension agents and the farmers. (JB)

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)

The paradox of the Cooperative Agricultural Extension Service lies in the fact that it has made rural America economically and technologically wealthy while at the same time its human services have declined relative to the rest of the nation. The growth of an urban industrial society has resulted in a new view of agriculture as a business rather…

The underlying theme of this paper is the relevance of the "package program" approach for the development of peasant agriculture in Southern Africa, particularly where there are livestock and population pressures with a declining soil fertility situation. In Rhodesia, full-time short literacy courses were held in June and July 1970, as a…

This overview is composed of four major sections. Part I is a map of agricultural extension's "territory," that is, the definitions and systems. It discusses extension functions in agricultural production institutions and varying institutional settings, describes types of extension systems, and considers farmers' degree of influence on extension…

The authors examine the historical context and current implications of four questions: (1) What is the relationship of land grant universities to agrarian discontent? (2) What was the Wisconsin Idea? (3) What is "public service"? and (4) What views of knowledge predominated in the early days? The land grant university was central as a cause/effect…

Examines the relationship between education and development in developing nations. Advocates the fostering of a technical humanism--the development of knowledge in all its forms as a basis for action. In this system, technical education is as highly valued as general education. The system, and its applications to rural education is discussed. (CP)

Following a description of the misfortunes Jamaican agriculture has faced in the past decade, this article focuses on the nonformal adult education program and its relationship to long-range stabilization of agricultural production. (LRA)

This study identified, defined, and applied communications concepts required by adult educators in agriculture to fulfill their role as change agents. An extensive review was made of the literature, related research, and opinions of specialists in communication, extension education, and vocational agriculture to predict behavior needed for future…