Rural Extension Vol. III

Recent rural development policy and approaches in the developing world have focused more on policy dialogue, good governance and decentralization in reaching the MDGs. Subsequently however, agricul-tural extension services have suffered, with poor funding and generally underpaid and under trained manpower. Despite many agencies recommending pluralistic exten-sion models delivering services according to demand and market opportunities, their realization has been problematic.The challengeIncreasing scarcity of food, fuel, feed and fiber, combined with new risks posed by climate change has catapulted agriculture back onto the political agenda. Issues of food security, environmental protection and sustainable economic development pose new and major challenges to the agricultu-ral sector, and to extension in particular.The problemIncredibly, most classic textbooks on agri-cultural extension have become outdated or are unavailable. The scope for training - especially in Europe - not only within agri-cultural organizations but also in universi-ties is facing extinction. Consequently, there is a growing deficit in scientific and profes-sional orientation regards agricultural ex-tension.The solutionTo meet this critical gap in knowledge, the University of Hohenheim, with support from the BMZ and GTZ has edited a 3rd fully re-vised edition of the handbook to be pub-lished in 2009 by Margraf, available to citi-zens of ACP countries via the CTA.The revised 3rd edition - expanded, comprehensive, contempo¬raryMuch has changed since the last edition in 1987. This revised 3rd edition updates exist-ing knowledge with new insights in line with recent developments and experience. It covers more and broader perspectives, both rural as well as important rural-urban linkages, agricultural technologies and agri-culture in developing nations facing increas-ing integration into globalized markets and value chains. It references all five conti-nents, with regard to good practices and achievements as well as the pressing is-sues. There is also a brand new volume dealing with capacity building.The revised 3rd edition is both tool and train-ing guide, essential for all those involved in agricultural extension, whether impover-ished or smallholder farmers or commercial farmers and companies, and equally suit-able for use from field level up to university courses.The VolumesWe recommend reading the first volume completely and then to use the others for re-ference purposes. Here you find a brief over-view:Volume 1: Basic Issues and Concepts[Ed. by V. Hoffmann, Maria Gerster-Bentaya, A. Christinck and M. Lemma]Volume one lays out basic issues and con-cepts of agricultural extension in a problem-orientated, demand driven and sys-temic/systematic approach. Improve the design, planning and implementation of work programs and activities, enhancing the quality of advisory work for the benefit of both client and society alike.Volume 2: Examples and Background Materials [Ed. by V. Hoffmann, A. Christinck and M. Lemma]The second volume supplements and il-lustrates the first by providing a wide range of practical examples and background materials.Volume 3: Training Concepts and Tools[Ed. by Maria Gerster-Bentaya and Volker Hoffmann]The completely new third volume is of special interest to those involved in the training of extension workers as well as to academic staff. It provides comprehensive guidance and assistance in areas such as training con-cepts and tools, course outlines and modules.