This document takes into account not only the reform of national extension agencies but also the global context of the transformation of the rural ser-vices landscape. It offers some principles and options for innovative financing mechanism based on context- and policy-specific priorities. The new mechanisms aim at mobilising diverse sources of funds (private/public) and at improving governance of extension systems towards more demand orientation and pluralism.

This framework is not a “one size fits all” set of recommendations. It should be used as a guideline for discussions and negotiations among the stakeholders involved in extension in the developing countries, in order to devise innovative and/or adequate schemes. This international point of view of decision-makers should also be the object of discussions and negotiations with the producers’ organisations at the local level. A second document, “Guide to Decision Making for Financing Extension”, complements this framework. It presents practical details and examples of innovative financing mechanisms.