The public agricultural extension system in China

China’s government re-established its public agricultural extension system (PAES) at the end of the 1970s. By the end of the 1980s, the system employed an extension staff of more than one million. More than 70 percent of these staff members have graduated from technical high schools or colleges.

More than 90 percent of them work at PAES stations at the county and township levels, with most agents at the township level. By the mid-1980s, China has established stations in every rural county and township, even in remote regions, and this large and inclusive system provided high quality agricultural extension services. Read the full-text document here Duong, Xuan Lam

Rural Advisory Services Worldwide

A Synthesis of Actors and Issues The purpose of this synthesis report is to provide the required background information and analysis that will - together with other ongoing validation activities–enable GFRAS, the Global Forum for Rural Advisory Services, to develop its five-year-strategy and work plan, in order to fulfil its mission and objectives. GFRAS was created to provide a space for advocacy and leadership on pluralistic, demand-driven rural advisory services within the global development agenda that promote sustainable rural growth and help the poor. GFRAS’ four objectives are to (1) provide a voice for advisory services within global policy dialogues, (2) support the development and synthesis of evidence-based approaches and policies for improving the effectiveness of rural advisory services (RAS); (3) facilitate interaction and networking for individual, organisational, and institutional capacity strengthening in RAS; and (4) promote the creation of an enabling environment for improved investment in RAS. Link: http://www.g-fras.org/en/knowledge/gfras-publications/file/6-rural-advisory-services-worldwide

A case study of Extension services

Extension services are essential to enable farmers to improve their practices and help them respond to emerging challenges. Knowledge, ideas, and skills gained through extension programmes can help farmers increase their productivity, reduce losses, and gain better access to markets. The positive impact of extension services is well demonstrated globally. Whether through Farmer Field Schools, marketing training, or by using innovative technologies, knowledge sharing underpins sustainable agricultural practices. The examples illustrate the importance of participatory processes and farmers’ proactive participation in extension programmes to ensure they meet their needs. The case studies highlight the diversity of issues that can be tackled through extension and advisory services, and the positive impacts these can have on farmers’ livelihoods. In many cases, extension services are an addition to existing structures, such as farmer co-operatives, and are offered as part of a package of services. This helps to ensure that the positive outcomes from extension, such as increased yields, can be translated into positive outcomes for farmers, for example by supporting the marketing of the improved crops. Link: http://www.g-fras.org/en/knowledge/gfras-publications/file/105-extension-services-case-studies

Fact Sheet on Extension Services

Extension services enable farmers to take up innovations, improve production, and protect the environment. Extension shows positive effects on knowledge, adoption, and productivity. With studies showing very high (13–500%) rates of return to extension, it is a cost-effective way to improve farmer productivity and income. Experiences with extension programmes show the positive impact that they have on productivity and farmer incomes. For instance, a programme with cacao farmers in Peru saw productivity rise from 340 to 600 kg per ha in three years. Source: http://www.g-fras.org/en/knowledge/gfras-publications/file/106-fact-sheet-on-extension-services