2.3 Objectives and Principles of Extension
The objectives of extension can be expressions of the end
towards which our efforts are directed. Even if the fundamental objective of
extension is the development of the people, the specific objectives that have
been developed over time in the history of extension can be categorized as follows:
1.
The dissemination of useful
knowledge and information relating to agriculture, including the use of improved
technologies and improved cultural practices in a variety of farming practices
2. To improve all aspects rural people lives within the framework of the national development policies and people’s need for development
Extension work has evolved basic working principles which
are necessary for an extension worker to follow in planning and practicing
extension activities. These principles are mentioned below.
1.
The extension work must be based on the needs and interests of
the people.
2.
Extension work should be based on the
knowledge, skills, customs, traditions, beliefs and values of the people.
3. Extension encourages people to take action and work out
their own solutions to their problem rather than receiving ready-made solutions.
4. An extension programme should be flexible so that necessary
changes can be made whenever needed to meet the varying conditions and need of the
people.
5. Extension work should be based on the full utilization of
local leadership.
6. Extension should be a co-operative action involving participatory
activity in which people co-operate to pursue a common cause.
7.
The success of extension education has
to be measured by the level of satisfaction of the people i.e. the extension
beneficiaries.
8.
Extension should be based on constant
evaluation. The effectiveness of the work is measured in terms of the changes
brought in knowledge, skills, and attitudes and the adoption of changed behaviour
of the people, and not merely in terms of achievement.
-
Operational Principles of Extension
Extension:
1.
Goals revolve around self-development
of people through educational resources
2. Enables the people to manage changes in the social and
economic arena.
3.
Programmes address people's needs
and their priorities.
4. Uses a group approach to enhance cost-effectiveness, creativity
and to encourage democratic processes.
5. Helps people become educators by encouraging them to
participate in development of the learning activities.
Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution Share Alike 3.0 License
This Learning Resource was Created by the Regional MSc AICM Program at the Haramaya University RDAE Department with Support of AgShare Project.