Historical

Perspective and
Evolution of
Agricultural
Extension
Welcome to the Epic
Journey!
Get ready for a thrilling ride
through the evolution of
agricultural extension in the
. Buckle up and
join us as we explore the
transformation from
traditional carabaos to
modern computers.
The Carabao Era
In the beginning,
were the agricultural
extension agents, plowing
the fields and carrying heavy
loads. Farmers relied on
these gentle giants for their
labor and support.
Rise of Rural Radio
Enter the era of
! Farmers tuned in
to learn about new
agricultural techniques
and market information.
The airwaves became
the new frontier for
agricultural extension.
The Extension Worker Revolution

Extension workers emerged

as the new heroes, bringing
directly to
farmers. They traveled far
and wide, conducting
trainings and
demonstrations to improve
agricultural practices.
Digital Transformation

The arrival of
revolutionized agricultural
extension. Information
became easily accessible,
and farmers could now
connect with experts and
resources online,
transforming the way they
worked.
Mobile Technology Boom

Mobile phones became

the new extension tools,
empowering farmers
with to
market prices, weather
forecasts, and expert
advice. The palm-sized
devices became
indispensable in the
agricultural landscape.
Social Media Revolution

Social media platforms

became the modern
marketplace for agricultural
extension. Farmers
embraced
to share
experiences, seek advice,
and access valuable
resources.
The Future of Extension

As we look ahead, the

future of agricultural
extension in the
Philippines is filled with
exciting possibilities.
With the integration of
and
, the journey
continues into uncharted
territory.
Celebrating the Journey

From carabaos to
computers, the epic
journey of agricultural
extension in the
Philippines has been a
remarkable evolution.
Let’s celebrate the
resilience and
innovation of farmers
and extension workers
who continue to drive
progress.
EVOLUTION OF AGRICULTURAL
EXTENSION
The history of agricultural extension services in the
Philippines has undergone various phases,
reflecting changes in approaches, priorities, and
challenges. Here's an overview of its evolution:
Early Development:

American Colonial Period (Late 19th to Early 20th Century): Agricultural

extension in the Philippines traces its roots to the American colonial period
when the United States established the Bureau of Agriculture in 1902. Efforts
were made to introduce modern agricultural practices, improve crop yields,
and address rural poverty.

Initial Extension Efforts: During this period, the focus was on introducing
American farming techniques and crops, establishing demonstration farms,
and conducting training sessions for farmers to adopt modern methods.
Post-Independence and Expansion:

Post-World War II Era: After gaining independence in

1946, the Philippine government continued and
expanded agricultural extension services. The aim was
to boost agricultural productivity, alleviate rural
poverty, and support economic development.

Expansion of Extension Programs: The 1950s and

1960s saw the establishment of various agricultural
extension programs, including the Agricultural
Extension Service (AES) and the establishment of the
Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in the 1980s.
These programs aimed to disseminate agricultural
knowledge, technologies, and practices to rural
farmers.
Shifts in Approach:

1970s-1980s: The approach to extension services in the

Philippines began shifting from a top-down, transfer-of-
technology model to a more participatory and farmer-centered
approach. This change aimed to involve farmers in decision-
making, considering their local knowledge and needs.

Emphasis on Diversification and Sustainability: The extension

services started focusing not only on increasing yields but also on
diversification, sustainability, and empowering farmers through
education and training.
Modern Extension Services:
Recent Decades: The evolution of agricultural extension services in the
Philippines continues, adapting to contemporary challenges. There's an
emphasis on using modern communication technologies, like mobile phones
and the internet, to reach more farmers efficiently.

Climate Resilience and Market Access: Extension services are increasingly

addressing climate change challenges, promoting climate-resilient
agricultural practices, and facilitating market access for smallholder farmers
to improve their incomes.
Challenges and Future Directions:

Challenges: The Philippines faces challenges such as land degradation,

climate change impacts, access to resources, and the need for sustainable
farming practices. Extension services are evolving to address these issues.

Future Directions: The focus remains on strengthening extension services,

improving accessibility, incorporating innovative technologies, and ensuring
inclusivity to support the diverse needs of Filipino farmers and promote
sustainable agricultural development.
………………………….

The evolution of agricultural extension in the Philippines

showcases a transition from a technology-focused approach
to a more participatory, farmer-centered, and holistic model
aimed at addressing the multifaceted needs of the
agricultural sector in the country.
Empowering the Next Generation

As we conclude this journey, let’s

remember to pass on the
and to the next
generation. Together, we can
ensure a sustainable and thriving
future for Philippine agriculture.