The three articles included in this dissertation are connected through theory and practice. Study one identifies the factors influencing Extension agents' participation in supplemental professional development opportunities using Ajzen's (1985) theory of planned behavior. Study two was a systematic investigation of Extension personnel's professional development needs related to facilitation using the Borich (1980) needs assessment model to inform the design of a new Extension Facilitation training program. Study three consisted of a multi-level evaluation of a new Extension facilitation program using guidance from the Kirkpatrick Model (2006) with the purpose of proposing a comprehensive instrument for measuring adult learning theory principles in the context of facilitation. The facilitation program was designed and developed based on data collected in study two. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]