This survey of North Carolina farmers focuses on the impact of important social changes and their interplay with ongoing changes in agriculture. It provides information for policymakers and education researchers to prepare for possible changes in the rural education system. State farmers were interviewed in 1987 and again in 1988. Of 883 people…

This paper describes a five-component system with ten major internal linkages which may be used as a model for studying information flow in any rural agricultural social system. The major components are production, supply, marketing, research, and extension education. In addition, definitions are offered of the crucial variables affecting…

The purpose of this paper is twofold: (1) it presents some empirical findings of the relative importance of both "economic" and "communication" variables in the diffusion of an innovation (dwarf wheats) in an unirrigated region of Pakistan which is densely populated by smallholders. The sample of farmers reported are…

This is an interim evaluation of a pilot program which utilized local farmers as program aides in cooperative extension education for small-farm operators. Specific objectives of this study were to determine the effectiveness of program aides in extension education in developing further the capacity of small-farm operators to take advantage of…

The basic philosophy of agricultural extension was established in the more highly developed countries over the past century. Newly formed nations, the rural population of which formerly maintained a subsistence agriculture with limited industry, found it essential to establish a better-balanced economy. This led to a variety of rural services and…

Discussion of the Nigerian government's efforts to improve agricultural productivity focuses on the role of rural libraries. Highlights include the neglect of libraries, the need for functional education for farmers, the role of library services, libraries as distributors of extension materials, and suggestions for improvements. (LRW)

Because of the decline of farm population and family farms, the increase in energy-intensivity, and concentration process in agriculture, a rising tide of criticism has focused on the land grant system and its role in encouraging scientific applications supporting these trends. A study was conducted to develop a strategy that would change…

In most countries, agricultural research (AR), institutions of higher education in agriculture (HEA), and agricultural advisory services (AAS) function as separate agencies. So far, in most countries, AR, HEA, and AAS have not had a common vision for rural development. In Finland, domination of agricultural production in Finland has led to a lack…

Describes cooperative campaign by central Chilean farmers to reduce use of dangerous chemicals. Describes cooperative's rural extension program targeting misuse of pesticides. Describes concern of chemical danger to local and foreign consumers. Cooperative's effort described as balancing short-term economic gains with long-term health and…

French farms have to adapt quickly in an economic and social context that is in profound change. For this, advice procedures must themselves be reconsidered. The aim of this work was to characterize the advice practices in beef-cattle systems in Creuse and define farmers' and advisers' requirements according to future methods of providing advice.…

This report focuses upon the economic and other contributions that agricultural research and education have made to Virginia over the past 40 years. Agricultural research, extension, and classroom instruction contribute in the following ways to Virginia's citizens: increased supplies and reduced costs, improved competitiveness, multiplier effects…

This document, the first joint annual report issued by the Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture (ES-USDA), and the Extension Committee on Organization and Policy (ECOP), summarizes the decisions made by the two organizations in November, 1989, and includes descriptive highlights of the process implemented by the cooperative extension…

A study was conducted to: (1) determine the characteristics of Macon County manufacturing milk producers and their farms; (2) find out which research verified, recommended manufacturing milk production practices were being used by those in the different butterfat production thirds; and (3) try to establish which factors were influential in…

Agricultural development programs often produce unexpected results. This can be attributed to the fact that the target-farmers already have their own knowledge and competencies which, in turn, determine their practices. In order to be adopted, an innovation has first to be discussed, and then appropriated by a local group of farmers in their…

The North Central Regional Center for Rural Development helps a number of stakeholders meet their mission and objectives. Stakeholders include those who directly fund the organization, as well as the moral community of the people and places of the North Central region. It is at the nexus of federal, state and local demands and opportunities. The…