Agri Extension Notes Part 1

EXTENSION EDUATION MODULE 11
EXTENSION METHODOLOGY
Objectives
By the end of this topic the trainee should be able to
i. List types of teaching and learning processes

ii. Explain different extension methods
iii. Describe strengths and short comings of different extension methods
iv. Explain the preparations and presentations techniques
Education – is an inter-prospective process of learning toward a self-reliance and knowledgeable person in the
society. It is a continuous process starting from birth to death.
Types of Educations
a) Formal Education
Is an academic or practical knowledge and graded from lowest to highest i.e. nursery to university and
commonly taught in a learning institution. It consists of clearly defined skills taught in an organized manner that
are tested and graded after a set period of time.
b) Informal Education
This is a lifelong process by which every person acquires and accumulates knowledge skills, attitudes etc., from
daily experiences and exposure to the environment. It is learned through interactions with family friends
attending a church service reading newspapers, watching T.V etc. it is the general knowledge needed to
function as a human being but never tested or graded.
c) Non Formal
Any organized systematic learning outside the formal system for a group of people with a particular need. It
includes agriculture extension, Adult Retreat, instructions of health, nutrition and family planning.
IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION TO FARMING
i. Low level of education has been the main causes of sluggish development among the developing
countries. Farmers do not know why, when, or what should be done in certain conditions
ii. Highest level of education solves the problems e.g.
- Knowledge of mathematics is helps in measurements and calculations
- Accounting and analysis leads to proper decision making and farm plans
- Knowledge of science helps in observation interpretation and problem solving etc
- Science also helps in finding nutritional requirements in animals and plants and how to use right
feeds & fertilizers.
- Science helps understand technical language in agriculture e.g. types of chemical fertilizer etc.
1
- Knowledge on engineering helps understand high level of technology skills for operating machines
and their maintenance technology increase efficiency effectiveness reduces costs and wastes.
Differences between Formal and Non-Formal Education
Formal Education Non-Formal Education

1 People progress up the education ladder Not organized according to age and there are
according to the age and exams are set at no examinations
intervals
2 Rules and regulations governs the learners Mature and self-disciplined
3 Teaching staff are trained and qualified for job at Professional qualification e.g. extension
different levels workers
4 It is based on standard curriculum of basic Aimed at solving particular problem and is
subjects which are taught throughout the country adapted to suit local culture ecology and
occupation of participants
5 Learning depends on selected books and use of Learning is based on discussions, practical
passive class under the direction of a teacher and demonstrations
6 Applicable in schools and attendance is Clients may come and go as they
compulsory
7 Pupils/students are mostly younger than the Clients often more mature than extension
teacher workers
8 Motivation is based on classroom discipline and Motivation is based on living standard, self-
pleasing those in authority satisfaction, contest with extension and
neighbors. It is sustained when progress is
good
9 Fees is paid Services are free
Extension Teaching Methods
Methodology – specific technique as possible of presenting agricultural information to clients
Change Agent – is a person who deliberately and consciously tries to inform people with a view to changing
their knowledge, Altitude and ways of thinking.
The essential function of the extension agent is to create situation in which others develop educationally.
Learning is an active process on the part of the learners. It is the task of extension agent to;
- Provide people with an opportunity to learn

- Stimulate mental and physical activity that produces the desire to learning
People learn in different ways, some by listening some by seeing, some by doing and still others. The more
different extension teaching methods are used the more people change their practice.
a) Classification of extension methods
Extension methods may be classified in three groups on the basis of the number of people they are designed to
reach there are
2
 Mass Method
 Group Method
 Individual method
i. Individual Methods
Learning is an individual process although extension agent must use group and mass methods to reach large
numbers of people and to stimulate joint action in planning and carrying out projects of common interests
personal contacts serve many essential purposes. The personal influence of the extension worker is a vital force
in securing cooperation and participation in extension activities and adoption of improved practices on the
farm and in the home. People will listen to the advice and suggestion of an extension worker whom they feel
they now, like and whose knowledge they respect integrity on the part of the extension worker is indispensable
These methods includes
a) Farm and home visits

b) Office visit (calls)
c) Telephone calls
d) Informal contacts
e) Personal letters
In all individual methods first establish a rapport (good working relationship) with the famer he is likely to
accept new ideas if he is convinced that the extension officers is working for the farmers well-being.
 Farm And Home Visits
They provide a means of personal communication between the farm family and the extension worker in an
environment where they can discuss matters of common interest in privacy and without the distraction and
interruptions commonly experienced in group extension methods farm and home visits serves the following
useful purposes
Purpose for Home visit
- To acquaint/familiarize extension worker with the farmer and farm family

- To answer specific request for help
- To gain first-hand knowledge of problem faced by the farmer or villager
- To explain a recommended practice
- To follow up and observe the results of recommended practices
- To plan an activity such as demonstration or a meeting
- To invite the farmers or villager to participate in a planned activity
- To discuss policies and programs
- To recruit train and encourage a local volunteer leader.
Careful and adequate preparations are the key to a successful visit as it is with all extension methods. Visits are
expensive in terms of time and transportation the purposes of the visit must be carefully considered and
combine several visits (purpose) in a single trip if possible.
3
Preparation of a visit will include a review of all known facts about the farm, the farmer and family specific
information concerning the problem purpose or activity involved and materials such as leaflets and samples
that may be left with the farmer. The approach you use often determines the success of your visit the attitude
of the farmers affects the length of to the point and end the visit as soon as the main purpose is accomplished
if he want to take more time and show you his fields or livestock fit in with his desires to the extent your time
permits.
Follow local customs in accepting hospitality e.g. if visitors are expected to drink tea with their host then take a
cup and be careful not to acquire a reputation as one who spend all tie drinking tea. You are expected to
provide sound technical information and relate it to directly to the farm and the farmer through informal
discussions of his crops, livestock or living situations allow the farmers or farmers’ wife to do much of the
talking but guide the conversation into construction channels.
In addition to the planned purposes of the visits it may provide an opportunity to grouse the interact of the
family into other features of the extension program me example a visit planned to investigate an insect
outbreak may provide an opportunity to invite teenage boys and girls to join a youth club as the mother to
attend a food preparations demonstration. Finally make a record of the visit as a background for future
contacts and as a reminder of necessary follow up ensure to send him the information or materials you
promised during the visit.
Strengths and Short Comings of Farm and home visits
Advantages of Farm and Home Visits
a) They provide a means of personal communications between the farm family and extension worker in
an environment where they can discuss matters of common interest in privacy and without
interruptions
b) This is a good way of supplying information that is required for solving unique problems. i.e. visits give
extension workers the opportunity to get to know the farmer and his family quite well extension
worker is able to get 1st hand information about the farmers.
c) Extension workers can increase the farmers trust in him by showing interests in the farmers as a person
d) It is possible to integrate information from the farmer with the information from the extension worker.
Disadvantages of Home and Farm Visit
a) The visits are expensive in terms of time and travel expenses

b) Only a small proportion of the target group is reached
c) The visits are based on mutual trust and the farmer will only open up if he/she can fully trust the
extension worker.
4
FARM AND HOME VISIT
Preparation and Presentation Techniques
(Planning for farm and home visit)
Before the visit
- Determine the objectives of the visit

- Give the farmer an appointment to ensure he will be present
- Prepare all supplies and equipment needed
- Review records of any previous basis you may have made
- Update yourself on current issues
- Schedule visits to save travel time and travel cost
- Consider the best approach to the client (farmers)
During The Visit
- Be punctual
- Make your greetings and be conscious of your role as a teacher
- Talk with the farmer and not at him
- Compliment him on his achievement
- Get the client to talk about their problems and discuss possible solutions and alternatives
- Demonstrate skills as necessary
- Follow local customs in accepting hospitality
- End the visit by arranging for the next visit
- Keep clients information confidential.
- Make a good record of visit as a background for future contacts
- Any handout should be given before you leave
After The Visit
- Don’t gossip about the client

- Confidential family problems should be dealt with individual and left confident
- Fulfill all your promises e.g. sending any necessary literature sending any equipment seeking a
specialized help for all unsolved problems
- Go back for a follow up
 Office Visits
There is an expression of interests on the part of the visitors (farmer) in something he thinks the extension
office has to offer. For the extension office, some but not all of advantages of farm and home visits applies.
The farmer (caller) is less at ease than when at home and may be more sensitive to the officers’ attitude. The
volume of office calls is related to the degree of public interest in the programs of the extension service the
relationship existing between the local extension worker and the villagers and accessibility of his office to the
rural people. The office should be arranged in a way that the visitors feel they are welcomed. It should also be
kept neat and clean with a few chairs and a bulletin rack with latest information materials. Try to put the
5
visitors at ease with a friendly conversation and ask questions to help him clarify his problem or request satisfy
his purpose to the best of your ability and terminate the interview tactfully by asking if there are any other
matters with which you can help. A careful record of office calls provide a basis for follow up activity and may
serve as one measure of public participation in extension activities.
Preparation and Presentation Techniques
There are several ways in which extension worker can encourage visits namely:
a. The extension office should be placed in a convenient location (easily accessible)

b. Extension worker should keep regular office hours so that the farmer can know when the extension
worker will be available
c. The office should be kept neat, orderly and attractive
d. The extension worker should maintain update on notice board and have information materials readily
available
e. Extension worker should make a special effort to put the visitor at ease especially if the individual
visitor appear to be shy in their unfamiliar environment
f. Make a good record of visits as background of future contacts include his telephone and address.
g. Make a follow up by visiting the farmer to understand his situation.
Advantages of Office Visit
a. Less expensive and time consuming on the part of extension worker. Other advantages are same as
those of farm and home visits (refers to notes farm and home visits)
Disadvantages
a. The farmers is less at ease than when at home and very sensitive to extension officers attitude
b. The volume of office calls not related to the farmers awareness about the extension service may
interrupt the conversation
c. Sometimes the extension office is located far away from farmers
d. Farmers may have a negative attitude towards the person in charge of extension office.
 Telephone Calls
They serve a purpose similar to offices calls. They may be initiated by either the farmer or the extension
worker. They are useful in solidity and giving specific information such as treatment of known diseases, control
of infestations of pest’s variety of tomato to plant or to request a bulletin or circular. They provide a follow up
and evaluation of the effectiveness of radio or television broadcast. Unfortunately many countries do not have
efficient telephone services in rural areas and this method of extension teaching is of limited application.
Advantages of Telephone Calls
a) A quick method of passing information
6
b) Less time consuming and less tedious
Disadvantages
a) Very costly
b) Sometimes not available in some rural areas
c) The method is limited since it lacks details e.g. it may be dangerous to give some recommendations
over telephone e.g. drug use.
Preparations and Presentations
a) office should have a telephone line that is working at all times

b) The telephone should be manned by the employee throughout the working tie i.e. from 8.00 am to
5.00 p.m.
c) Appropriate extension lines should be connected to subject specialists offices
d) Farmers should be updated on any change of telephone lines.
 Personal Letters
Letters are very useful in answering request for information as a follow up after visits and office calls and in
contenting local volunteer leaders. A request from a farmer for information indicates genuine interests and
should be answered promptly and courteously. Use letter is limited because of inefficient postal services or
where rural residents are illiterate. Letters should also give information that is simple understandable and
complete without being wordy or including unnecessary information.
 Informal Contacts
Every experienced extension workers has had people stop him on the street or in the village to ask a question.
Market days, picnics, holiday’s celebrations and religious days bring people together. Where people gather they
talk about current problems in farming an extension officer will remind the villager of the problems about
which he would like technical advices.
General Advantages and Disadvantages of Individual Extension Methods
Advantages
a) Extension agent comes into contact with the farmers communication is direct and easier.
a) The farmer receiver’s individual’s attention undivided. He expresses his problems which are than
adequately tackled.
b) Message is will communicated and easier to convince
c) It saves time for the farmers because the farmers are still on the shamba working.
d) Questions and answers are well handled during the sessions
e) Extension agent works hands in hands with the farmers and this makes it easier for the farmers to learn
f) There is instant feedback between the two
g) The farmer gains confidence in extension agent and can relay confidential information
h) Demonstrations are effectively conducted
7
i) Extension agent gains first-hand information on the farm. This assists him on helping on the farm. This
assist him on helping the farmers and an selecting contact farmers
j) Extension agent can help the farmer to clarify his feelings and to choose between conflicting ideas.
k) It is possible to integrate information from the farmer e.g. goals and means with agricultural
information of extension agent and therefore offers possible solutions
Disadvantages
a) It consumes a lot of time from extension agent to move from one farmers to another
b) Message may be delayed thereby reaching to some farmers after so long (outdated)
c) Farmers does not get to know the experience of other farmers therefore does not seek help from them
d) Tiresome on the part of extension agent
e) Narrow coverage if the area is very large
f) Expensive due to extensive travelling
g) In some cases the farmer may lack confidence in extension agent and hence refuses to cooperate this
frustrate passing of information
h) Language barriers of extension agent may conflicts that of the society
ii. Group Extension Methods
Group methods are especially effective in moving people from the interest stages to trial stage of learning.
When reaction of group is favorable the majority of members may proceed to the adoption stage. Group
extension methods effectively arranged and conducted take full advantages of the external and internal forces
of group dynamics. People react to the extension work and to the ideas expressed by other members of the
group. Properly stimulated and directed these forces can lead to changes in practice by large number of people.
The method is aimed at a particular reference group and involving face to face contact between extension
agent and farmers. This method may be carried out in any the following ways.
- Demonstrations – results demonstrations method demonstrations

- Lecture
- Panel discussions
- Symposium
- Seminars
- Workshop
- Conference
- Tours and farm walk
- Field days/farmers days/experiment stations
- Shows and exhibitions/fairs
- Farmers training centers
- Rural youth, home makes club group projects
- Meetings
- Experimentations
- Role play
8
- Public speaking
Contact Farmers
Is a farmer who represents approximately 10% of the area covered by an extension worker. He should have the
following characteristics
a) Representation of the whole group average person in education, age, wealth etc.
b) Full time farmers
c) Social and cooperative to all
d) Centrally located farm that is accessible
e) Hard working farmers.
 Demonstrations
Demonstrations are done if the learning process requires skill development. It incorporates step by step
procedures of doing something. The participants should get an opportunity to try various steps that you have
demonstrated.
Why are demonstrations given out?
- To teach farmers how to perform certain skills

- To increase farmers knowledge
- To introduce new innovation
- To encourage adoption
- To give farmers a change to practice simple skills
- Extension agent has a chance to learn from farmers
When Are Demonstrations Given?
- During farm and home visits

- During pre-arranged small group
- During public baraza’s
- In shows and exhibitions
- During field days
Where are demonstrations given?
- Farmers farms (individuals farms)

- Farmers training centers (e.t.c)
- Contact farmers farm (group work)
- Schools and colleges
- Public land
Demonstrations appeal to all senses e.g.
9
a) Sense of hearing about 10% of what people learn is attributed to sense of hearing hence the
demonstrator should talk clearly and in a language that all learners understand
b) Sense of sight about 35% of what we learn is attributed to both senses of hearing ad sight it is
important that all materials that you have carried are seen by the farmers and also all steps
c) Senses of touch we learn by doing and we do what we learn the use of hands together with sense of
hearing and sight increases our learning to 75% one or two farmers should be asked to repeat the
practice
d) Taste and smell – these two senses are sometimes useful in learning their use is however limited
because sometimes it is dangerous to use these senses
Three main characteristics for demonstration subject
- Subjects must be relevant I,e, farmers must be in need of the practice

- Subject must be timely- must be taught at a time that farmers can put into practice e.g. it is not
timely to teach farmers about maize planting immediately after planting season as before harvesting
- The subject must be applicable the farmer can afford what is being taught
There are two types of demonstrations
 Method Demonstrations – procedures

 Result Demonstrations – the outcomes
Method Demonstrations
It aims at teaching farmers how to use certain techniques on their own. For this reason care should be taken to
obtain maximum participation by the group in all stages e.g. how to prune, spray, castrate etc.
Format
- Gather information from the latest bulletin and any other official data
- Make a detailed plan – outline the operations to be demonstrated in logical steps i.e
- Plan what to tell them
- List demonstration materials and equipment needed
- Know how to obtain equipment and materials
- Arrange for literature needed for distributions to the audience at the time of demonstrations
- Write down the plan
- Select demonstrations in consultation with contact farmers and visit them to check their suitability
- Release the demonstrations when it can be operated in a skillful and sure way
- select points to emphasize
Carry out the actual demonstration
- Start by welcoming the audience and introduce the demonstrations

- Introduce the title of demonstrations
- Explain the purpose of demonstration and relationship to the local problem
- Show each operation slowly step by step
10
- Use simple words in explanations

- Make sure that the audience can see properly
- Emphasize key points and say why they are important
- Encourage questions at each step
- Let audience practice the skill demonstrated
- Summarizes main steps of demonstrations
- Distribute explanatory literature
- Thank demonstrators the contact farmers and the audience
Follow Up
Record relevant data in your diary including attendance and important problems raised by farmers
Assignment: Why is it important to have a follow up?
Result Demonstrations
It aims at convincing farmers the reasons for carrying out a certain agricultural recommended practices e.g. the
outcomes of pruning use of fertilizers, weeding e.t.c
Format for Result Demonstration
1) Gather information from the latest bulletin

2) Make a detailed plan
 Decide who is to do what when and how
 Decide evidence needed to convince farmers and how prove is to be established
 Determine number of demonstration needed
 Gather materials needed e.g. seeds fertilizers etc
 Write down the plan
3) Select demonstration
 Consult with contact farmers to arrange the time the farmers to carry out demonstration
 Consult people to be invited
 Agree on the procedure with demonstration and participating teams
4) Start demonstration
 Publicize the demonstration to attract interest

 Introduce the demonstrator
 Explain the purpose of demonstration and its importance to the audience
 Explain what the demonstration will do and what result you expect.
 Ensure the farmers understands what the demonstrations is doing
 Answer questions from the farmers and distribute extension literature
5) Supervision of the demonstration
11
 Record all information carefully for letter use

 Write a press story or radio story where appropriate
 Visit the demonstration form frequently
 Check on the progress
 Maintain the demonstrator farmers interests to ensure that succeeding steps are properly carried out
 Take photographs at different phases it possible
6) Complete the demonstration
Summarize the steps taken and information undertaken. Ask the contact farmer to arrange a meeting of
farmers to vie the factual evidence on the result demonstration.
7) Show any photograph taken and distribute literature on what was going on
8) Follow up
 report to the supervisors the result of the demonstration

 Publicize the result
 Ask the contact farmers and demonstrators to speak out the results to the other farmers
Advantages of Demonstrations
a. Wide coverage one gives detailed Information i.e. how, why and when
b. The farmers utilizes most of his senses in learning process
c. It encourages questions and discussions
d. Farmers can share experiences
e. The method shows how easy it is for the demonstration
f. It is a two way process
g. It is easy to correct mistakes
h. If properly utilized, it improves the relationship between extension officers and the farmers
i. Increases extension officers expertise confidence and skills
j. Demonstration provides data on input and output which makes comparison easier.
Disadvantages of Demonstration
a. its time consuming

b. there may be language barriers between the extension officers and the farmers
c. farmers have different learning abilities
d. some farmers may develop negative attitude towards the demonstrations contact farmers or extension
agent
e. if the contact farmers are not properly selected the demonstration may not work
f. it is expensive to carry
g. a good demonstration requires considerable skills, planning and preparations
h. not all ideas can be demonstrated
i. Difficult to demonstrate for a very large group.
12
Preparations and Presentation Techniques
Major points to consider
 Before
 During
 After
Before the demonstration
Think about the following factors and make the necessary adjustments.
 Time an hour day and month, ask yourself are there any other activities that day?
 Site arrange to have your demonstration at convenient and good site
 Materials collect all materials needed for demonstrations all in advance
 Search for all necessary information to be able to answer all questions
During the materials day
 Be at the site about 30 minutes earlier to make sure that all the materials are ready and audience will
be comfortable and related
 Ensure all people are able to see what you are demonstrating
 Speak clearly and loudly
 Tell the audience the importance of each step
 Encourage the audience to ask questions
 Be courteous to the questionnaires and answer the questions so that the whole of the audience can
hear, repeat all the difficult steps.
 Watch out some people learn faster than others and use the faster learner to teach the slower ones
 Summaries at the end
 Advertise your next meeting and distribute any written hand out.
After Demonstration
Plan your follow up because of the following reasons
- To evaluate your effectiveness

- To identify practicing farmers who may be possible teaching leaders
- To determine your next lesson depth
NB// lack of adoption maybe due to
- Too difficult subjects

- Too costly practices
- Untimely demonstrations
- Lesson may not be needed
13
 Lecture
It is oral presentation aimed at giving authoritative information of the extension offices or invited guest
The lecture could be
- Formal – strictly one way

- Informal – two ways where audience participate. For a lecture to be effective the lecturer should be
loud enough and use simple language visual aids should be well utilized.
Advantages
- can serve as an introduction to other methods

- suitable for a large audience
- a lot of information is passed within a short period
- very good for presenting ideas
Disadvantages
- skills cannot be taught using this method

- There is little audience participation
- language may not be relevant/simple for the farmer
- most farmers may not remember everything
- it is difficult to concentrate for a long period
Selection of a lecture venue
Characteristic of a good lecture venue
- accessible to all participants

- conducive environment
- availability of facilitates
Timing
Consider appropriate day and time when all farmers are free avoid public holidays consider appropriate month.
Panel Discussions (Group Discussion)
Is a technique of comparatively pooling ideas, knowledge and opinions together in order to learn and solve a
problem the group should be made up of panels of 6 – 7 people who are either farmers or experts in a given
agricultural fields. The discussions may be in form of questions prepared beforehand and given to the people in
the panel. Each group should have a leader to speak in an orderly manner. The leader should discourage those
who want to dominate discussions. Each group should also have a secretary who should jot down points
discussed. By the end of the discussion period the secretary will present the points discussed by their group.
14
Factors to consider when forming a group
- constitute panels of 6 – 7 people

- identify a topic of real significance to the group
- is the problem discussed suited to the group in age gender, educational level experiences and
training
- is the problem adoptive to reflective thinking
- Is there sufficient time to effectively handle the issue or the problem?
 SYMPOSIUM
These refers to a series of short lectures on a related topic and are given by experts e.g. different people giving
lectures on e.g. fodder crops zero grazing dairy cattle management etc.
 SEMINARS
This is where farmers are taught in a group for one or more days on a given topic which is related to their
needs. Farmers are given time to discuss to discuss with each other whereby they get to the problems faced by
their colleagues and they may come up with possible solutions use of seminars is accompanied by lecturer and
demonstrations, seminars are held on farmers training centers. In seminars the we have experts (extension
officers) teaching lay people (farmer)
 WORKSHOP
Similar to seminars only that workshop is more practical than a seminar. A workshop consist of people with
common background coming together to discuss matters of common interests e.g. dairy farmers tea farmers,
small scale horticultural producers. The main goal of a workshop approach is to learn or gain information
through experience and sharing. It consist of people with common interest and background these group can be
as large as 30 people. Each participant should take up on activity than get involved in a group discussion. They
can be given a certificate of participation.
 CONFERENCE
Is an approach where people with different backgrounds but common goal comes together in a common forum
to discuss a given matter of national importance e.g. Bomas conference on Kenyan constitution making. There
is a free discussion from all members e.g. politicians’ doctors’ clergy farmers’ teachers etc.
 TOURS AND FIELD TRIP
Is a group teaching method where farmers are taken from their farms to another place for the purpose of
learning? The learning experiences support what the farmers knows and also exposes the farmers to what they
don’t know. Field trips are useful in enabling learners to observe first hand approach or events in the field.
There must be something specific to learn in the tour and objective must be clearly defined. A tour must have a
team leader, tour guide who should be properly briefed on the objective. Each participant should put down
some important information of what they have seen and divide the bigger group into smaller units that are
easier to handle.
15
Advantages Of Tours
- it gives great exposure of farmers to other areas of opportunities

- gives a chance for them to compare themselves to others
- it gives immediate feedback
- very practical utilizing all senses thus easy to remember
- interest\ting and exciting
Disadvantages
- it is very costly due to travelling or even accommodation expenses

- difficult to select farmers to go and ones to leave out
- poor communication network e.g. roads maybe impassable in rural areas
- There is protocol to follow till tour takes off.
- Tour are made only to the convenience of the host firm
- Organizational leaders use tours/field trips just to spend money (justify expenditure)
Preparations and Presentations
Procedure for tour arrangement
 Identify the place to visit and write to them asking for permission and for then to confirm the date and
time.
 Prepare what to see and facilities required
 Let participants prepare for tour i.e. requirements needed such as notebooks pens, dustcoat etc.
 Prepare for transport meals/refreshments and accommodations if necessary
 During the tour give time for participants to ask questions
 Summaries the tour by concluding on what has been seen
 Write a report on the tour.
 Field Days/Farmers Days/Experiments Stations
Field days are normally conducted for demonstrations purposes either to start or to inspect a demonstration in
progress. They can either be held at a research station or on a farmer’s farm. They could also be held at farmers
training centers.
Planning and Presentation
In organizing for a field day there is normally a task involved which includes the following
I. Determine the audience people who have to attend

II. Consider the timing i.e. when the materials in questions are in the field
III. Rehearse with the host farmers
IV. Ensure the right sequence of items and ensure you start from stage one
V. Have your field days when all facilities are available. Ensure you publicize your field day.
16
VI. At the end of the field day gather the farmers analyze what they have seen summarize to them all what
they have seen
VII. Distributes any literature materials etc.
 Shows Exhibitions and Fairs
Definitions
- Shows – public display

- Exhibitions – collection of things shown publicity
- Fairs – large scale exhibitions of commercial and industrial goods e.g. a world fair, international
trade fair.
In Kenya agricultural shows are organized by the agricultural society of Kenya (ASK) at district levels or at
national level e.g. Nairobi. In shows various farmers companies and organizations display their products and
others have a chance of viewing and learning from them.
Functions of A S K
I. Holding competitive agricultural shows/trade fairs exhibitions of livestock crop and farm produce
II. Encouraging and importation of pure breeds and improvements of indigenous livestock
III. Encouraging and assisting in official milk recording scheme
IV. Organizing the running of young farmers clubs
V. Organizing the national ploughing contest.
VI. Publishing the Kenya stud book
VII. Publishing the monthly journal the Kenya farmers
VIII. Awarding bursaries for local and overseas studies/tours for its members.
 Farmers Training Centers
They have been used effectively in a number of developing countries to train farmers and their wives in
concepts and practices of media agriculture and home making.
Centers in Kenya and Uganda consisted of dormitory for from 20 to 100 people dinning and laundry facilities
and a farm varying from 50 to 400 acres complete with equipment and livestock. Courses are attended by both
men and women and coasted from two days to four weeks depending upon the subject involved the primary
objectives of the center is to show those who attends how farming can be carried out at a profit to in farmers a
desire to convert their own farms into profitable enterprises and to teach them some of the skills involved.
Intensive short courses are held in such areas as coffee production tea production clean milk production and
the use of home produced foods in the diet. Their farms are professionally managed to represent a model farm
that can be emulated by farmers.
 Experimentations
17
Is a useful method as a follow up after demonstration it requires a lot of equipment and resources follow it up
with a discussion.
 Meetings
Introductions
Meetings are one of the oldest and not important methods of extension teaching. Properly arranged and
conducted they rank high in ration of practice adopted in relation to cost as compared with other methods. The
success of meeting as a teaching device depends largely upon how they are viewed by audience i.e. is it their
meeting or extension workers meeting. Effective meetings are oriented to the current thinking and recognized
needs of the people.
Types of Meetings in Extension Work
 Organizational meetings
Includes board of directors meetings youth clubs, home makers club. Executive committee etc. organizational
usually meets periodically and follow an agenda their purpose is to take action and get business done but they
leadership and training in social action process.
 Planning Meetings
Requires preparations of a large amount of situational materials much of this must be done by professional
extension workers. Few rural leaders are interested in attending a planning meeting merely for the sake of
planning. Their interest can be aroused in specific problems and objectives for this and other reasons extension
workers need to make a special effort to assure attendance of right people. A formal invitation or request to
attend a planning meeting is not usually sufficient personal contacts by an extension worker or another leader
with discussion of problem and needs to be considered is much more effective in building interest and in
assuming attendance by representative leaders.
 Training Meetings
They are essential elements in developing and using rural leaders in extension. They are limited to selected
individuals who have accepted responsibilities as leaders and need help in doing the job. The programme
contact is usually narrow in scope and specific with direct applications to the job. Extension workers should
take care not to try to cram too much information and advice into a single training meeting but allow time for
discussions and practice. Each meeting may well be one of a series for the same people conducted over a
period of time.
 Special Interest Meeting
They are arranged to serve the educational needs of groups with common interest such as gardening fishing
dairy, home management sewing etc. they may be held singly or in series over a period of time. Since
attendance is voluntary everyone who attends is and the subject matter leader can move along faster than he
could in a mixed group. Questions and discussions are more spontaneous and lively.
18
 Community Meetings
These are for all the people in the community men. Women young people all with varied interests of the
community some people came out of curiosity or for entertainments others have more serious interests.
Others Meetings
 Statutory meetings e.g. AGM, Extra ordinary AGM

 Executive meeting
 Management meeting
Advantages of Meetings
- A large number of people are taught at the same time

- Adoption is high in comparison to relative cost
Disadvantages
- The diversity of interest between the audiences make great unfavorable teaching situation.
- In a group the rate of learning is not the same
- In a group the rate of learning is not the same
- The work involved in planning and carrying out meetings may be too taking for the extension
workers
- Often people may meet because of entertainments.
Why Meet?
Purpose of the Meeting
- To make decisions
- To solve problems/conflicts
- To gather information
- To disseminate information (giving)
- To discuss new ideas and practices
- To obtain opinion of members
Preparations and Presentations Techniques Of Meetings
STEPS INCLUDES
- Purpose of meetings
- Kind of the meeting
- Invitations and publicity
- Time and venue selection
- Arrangements done
- Hold the meetings
- Follow up
19
Purpose of Meetings
- To introduce and discuss new ideas and practices

- To obtain opinion of community
- To gain support on local problems and extension programs
Kind of the meetings
Decide whether the meetings will be inform of a lecture, group discussions, seminars, workshop etc. will the
meetings be formal or informal.
Invitation and publicity
Plan the meetings with the representative of the people for whom it is held. Invitations should be made by
letters followed by telephone for confirmation; adequate notice is usually 14 days.
All invitations to be accompanied by a copy of agenda it should also include
 Venue
 Time, date day
 Nature of meetings
 Any other details
 Minutes of previous meeting
 Annexure
Publicity of meeting should also build of the interest of people by indicating
 The need for the meeting

 Who to appear in the program
 Qualification of the speakers
 Name of committee members responsible for program and arrangements.
Time and venue
Choose time that is convenient to your clients i.e. morning/afternoons avoid weekends and public holidays is
the venue should also be comfortable
Arrangements
Consider parking space for vehicles erect sign post to direct people
- Make appropriate sitting arrangement

- Decide on the speakers and programs
- Are there refreshments/meals
- Provide for public address system
- Provide for visual aids
- Handouts to distribute
20
- Sanitation facilities
Hold the Meeting
- Start the meeting on time

- Welcome the guest
- State the agenda and purpose of meeting
- Encourage questions and discussions
- At the end of the meeting, summarize the important points as well as important decisions that were
made
- You ay distribute some literature at the end of the meeting
- Close the meeting by thanking the host speakers and congregation (vote of thanks)
- Its normal to start and close the meeting with a word of prayer
Follow Up
- Clean the meeting venue

- Send letters of thanks to resource personnel and speakers
- Write records of discussions and any other promises
- Publish important decisions made during the meeting.
The Role of the Leader in a Meeting
Normally the chairman
- Read all documents related to agenda

- Prepare supporting documents where necessary
- Attend meeting on time
- Make substantial contribution to the discussions
- Take notes of decisions made and actions required
- Carry out tasks assigned and give feedback
In order to ensure the success of the meeting the leader of the meeting should observe the following
- Speak clearly so that all in a meeting can hear

- Set clear objectives for the meeting and reinforce them to the participants in the introductions
- Follow the agenda without any discression
- Try not to dominate the discussions but steer it.
- Listen carefully to the points being discussed and note down the points summarize them and agree
with participants
- Ensure you are always courteous and thank participants for their contribution carefully manage time
that you allow participants to discuss the items of the agenda.
- When the items of the agenda have been fully discussed you should conclude the meeting
- At the end of the meeting set the date for the next meeting
- A time record of the proceedings of the meetings should be kept for discussions in the next meeting.
21
Factors to Consider in Planning Meetings
a. Size of audience – large audience can receive information but participation is reduced and have
difficulty in making decisions
b. Character of audience – some audience are incapable of participation through lack of experience may
be broken down into small committee or discussions groups for decisions or to increase participation
c. Facilities available – if rooms are available large audience may be broken down into small committee or
discussions groups for decisions or to increase participation
d. Make audience as comfortable as possible – e.g. seating arrangements, heating/cooling of rooms
lighting and ventilations
e. Time – do not fill the programs too full active people can seldom sit still for more than an hour at a time
and few meetings should last longer than one and one half hours. Provide for an intermissions in longer
meetings
f. Do not allow unrelated announcements and unscheduled speakers to prolong the programme and
distract the audience.
 Public Speaking
Speaking is the most frequently used tool of the extension work the following are suggestions
1) Have something to say of interest to the audience direct your talk to those interest and not your own.
Find out in advance what kind of audience you are to speak to and what they want to know.
2) Have a series of specific points to follow tell the audience in advance what you want to go away with
from your meetings be sure that what you have to tell them will benefit them.
3) Do not apologies for your shortcomings and limitations. They will find out soon themselves
4) Talk to the audience not at them look them in the eye not out the window or at the ceiling
5) Be confident that you can do a good job. This necessitates proper and careful preparations do not
worry about being nervous as it is usual with speakers
6) Speak naturally in a land clear voice but don’t shout do not use a lot of unnatural gestures. They will
probably look foolish and pointless to the audience. Be yourself observe the fares of the people in your
audience to indicate interests approval or disapproval
7) Illustrate your talk with as many personal examples as possible but do not be a gossip and do not over
do yourself as example
8) Never memorize a speech preferably use small cards in your hand and refers to them to refresh your
memory use flip charts or slides to show you as well as your audience what you are talking about.
9) Rehearse or go over the talk to yourself.
10) Try to relax the group at first. These can bed one with an interesting related story. Remember nothing
is less humorous than a supposed funny story poorly told it will generally fall flat
11) Do not talk down to an audience at least they are smart enough to want to hear us speak
12) Dress appropriately for the occasion
13) Never play down a member of the audience try to be courteous when someone asks a question you
have just finished answering. Try not to get angry or provoked or if you do try not to show it.
14) If you prefer to have questions at the end rather than during the talk let the audiences know about it.
They will not interrupt you and can be thinking of questions they will want to ask at the end.
22
15) In asking the audience the questions ask it first to the whole group then to a specific person this causes
everyone to listen and start thinking about it.
16) Step questions before they run out as get wondering it there is time for just one last questions this
allows close of the business
17) Try to be as brief as possible without actually leaving valuable points
18) Be careful with the summary at the end of talk. Try to hit only the major topics discussed and not a
complete review.
19) Hand out any printed material at the end of your talk. If you do need to give out materials stop your
talk and concentrate on getting a copy to everyone then have them go through a specific point then ask
them to put the papers away and proceed.
20) Avoid distracting mannerism. Do not fidgets do not fumble with keys or coins do not keep tossing a
piece of chalk up and down in your hand
21) Be enthusiastic this will also generate enthusiasm in your audience
22) Take every opportunity to speak practice makes perfection.
Qualities of a Good Speaker
- Fluency and cheerful

- Forthright
- Confident and composed
- Clarity
- Factual accurate
- Creative/innovative
- Voice modulation
- Maintains eye contact
- Relevant
- Identify with crowd
- Empathy
- Sincerity
- Good appearance
- Posture
- Vocal qualities – pitch volume pause ascents etc.
- Alertness –responsive.
Advantages of Good Extension Method
1) Saves time for extension agent as a number of farmers are brought in one control place
2) Message reaches many farmers at once and thus no delay of message to some farmers
3) Farmers share experiences and therefore learn from one mother
4) Not tiresome to the extension agent compared to individuals approach
5) Saves money as no extensive traveling
6) Group dynamics is used to influence members to adopt
7) Groups gain better bargaining power in credits production and sales as there is more trust in a group.
23
SAMPLE QUESTIONS
1. Describe the various classes of adopters in the adoption process (10 marks)
b) Explain the elements of a good communication process (10 marks)
2. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of mass contact in extension work (10 marks)
b) Giving examples describe individuals’ contacts and group contacts of applied in extension services (10 marks)
3. Explain two types of demonstrations and say where each is applicable (10 marks)
b) Explain the following conditions among farmers during a teaching session (5 marks)
a. Fear
b. Prejudice
c) Outline five characteristics of effective communicators of agricultural technologies to a rural comminatory (5

marks)
4. Discuss the demonstration methods of technology transfers in agricultural extension (10 marks)
b) Describe the three forms of education that acts as source of knowledge (6 marks)
c) Describe the following terms as used in agricultural extension education (4 marks)
a. Contact farmer
b. Innovation
5. Discuss the five characteristics of an agricultural innovation (10 marks)
b) Evaluate the impacts of social barriers to effective communication in agricultural extension (10 marks)
6. Explain the importance of method demonstration in extension work (8 marks)
b) Discuss the effectiveness of mass contact as an extension teaching method (12 marks)
7. Evaluate the factors which affect the adoption of agricultural innovations (10 marks)
b) State the advantages of method demonstration as an individual contact extension methodology (5 marks)
c) Explain the five basic elements involved in every communication process (5marks)
8. Explain how to overcome barriers to effective communication in extension (10 marks)
b) Discuss the stages undergone by an individual in the process of adoption of a new innovation (10 marks)
9. Discuss the categories of farmers classified according to time of adoption in the adoption diffusion theory (10
marks)
24
10. Describe the various classes of adaptors in the adoption process (10 marks)
b) Explain the elements of a good communication process (10 marks)
11. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of mass contact (10 marks)
b) Giving examples describe individual contacts and group contacts as applied in extension services (10 marks)
12. What are the major characteristics of an early adopter that qualify him to be used as a contact farmer (5
marks)
b) Outline the qualities of a good public speaker in extension work (5 marks)
c) Discuss any five differences between formal and informal education (10 marks)
13. Outline the adoption process (10 marks)
b) Discuss five characteristics of a good instructor in agricultural extension (adult educator) (10 marks)
14. Explain how an extension agent can popularize an innovation within a given area of operation (10 marks)
15. What processes does an individual go through before accepting an improved practice (10 Marks)
b) Outline the formal for a method demonstration (10 marks)
16. Outline five qualities of an effective communicator (10 marks)
b) Compare and contact any two of the main teaching methods used in extension (10 marks)
17. A new variety of beans has been developed which can be harvested 1 ½ months after planting compared to
the previous variety that took 3 months to harvest. Explain how you as an extension agent would encourage
the use of this variety in your area of operation (10 marks)
b) Explain the two types of demonstrations and say where each is applicable (10 marks)
18. Explain the five qualities of a good poster calling people for an agricultural field day (10 marks)
b) State the advantages and disadvantages of office visits (10 marks)
19. State five factors that determines choice of teaching aids in extension (10 marks)
b) Explain how group influence individual learning extension peer (10 marks)
20. Explain five factors that affect assimilation/absorption of a message (5 marks)
b) Explain the meaning of the following stages in communications (7 marks)
I. Creation
II. Encoding
III. Transmission
25
IV. Reception
V. Decoding
VI. Assimilation
VII. Evaluation
C) Outline three characteristics of laggards in an adoption process (3 marks)
21. State any five reasons why farmers may reject an innovation after trials (5 marks)
b) Use examples to differentiate between method demonstration and result demonstration (10 marks)
22. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of individual, group and mass methods of extension (15 marks)
JUNE/JULY 2019
1) (a) Describe the two types of demonstration methods in agricultural extension teaching (10 marks)
(b) Outline the stages of adopting a new innovation (10 Marks)
2) (a) Highlight the characteristics of effective communication (6 marks)
(b) Distinguish collective innovation decision from authority innovation decision (4 Marks)
(c) Highlight the effectiveness of mass contact extension teaching method (10 Marks)
26

Agri Extension Notes Part 1

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Agri Extension Notes Part 1

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

EXTENSION EDUATION MODULE 11

By the end of this topic the trainee should be able to

i. List types of teaching and learning processes

IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION TO FARMING

Differences between Formal and Non-Formal Education

Formal Education Non-Formal Education

Extension Teaching Methods

Methodology – specific technique as possible of presenting agricultural information to clients

- Provide people with an opportunity to learn

a) Classification of extension methods

These methods includes

a) Farm and home visits

 Farm And Home Visits

Purpose for Home visit

- To acquaint/familiarize extension worker with the farmer and farm family

Strengths and Short Comings of Farm and home visits

Advantages of Farm and Home Visits

Disadvantages of Home and Farm Visit

a) The visits are expensive in terms of time and travel expenses

FARM AND HOME VISIT

Preparation and Presentation Techniques

(Planning for farm and home visit)

Before the visit

- Determine the objectives of the visit

During The Visit

After The Visit

- Don’t gossip about the client

Preparation and Presentation Techniques

a. The extension office should be placed in a convenient location (easily accessible)

Advantages of Office Visit

Advantages of Telephone Calls

a) A quick method of passing information

b) Less time consuming and less tedious

Preparations and Presentations

a) office should have a telephone line that is working at all times

General Advantages and Disadvantages of Individual Extension Methods

ii. Group Extension Methods

- Demonstrations – results demonstrations method demonstrations

Why are demonstrations given out?

- To teach farmers how to perform certain skills

When Are Demonstrations Given?

- During farm and home visits

Where are demonstrations given?

- Farmers farms (individuals farms)

Demonstrations appeal to all senses e.g.

Three main characteristics for demonstration subject

- Subjects must be relevant I,e, farmers must be in need of the practice

There are two types of demonstrations

 Method Demonstrations – procedures

Carry out the actual demonstration

- Start by welcoming the audience and introduce the demonstrations

- Use simple words in explanations

Assignment: Why is it important to have a follow up?

Format for Result Demonstration

1) Gather information from the latest bulletin

 Publicize the demonstration to attract interest

5) Supervision of the demonstration

 Record all information carefully for letter use

6) Complete the demonstration

 report to the supervisors the result of the demonstration

a. its time consuming

Preparations and Presentation Techniques

Major points to consider