The success of agricultural innovation systems (AIS) are greatly dependent on effective communication of knowledge. This module outlines the different types of knowledge that you as an extension agent will need to deal with as well as the different sources through which knowledge can be gained. You will learn that different situations may require you to take on different intermediary roles in order to facilitate the transfer of knowledge. This module also describes the different communication media and tools available to you to support your role in stimulating the flow of knowledge.

Rural advisory services are called to help stimulate behaviour change amongst the clients they serve. However, change is not an easy process. There are many components which can influence change, one of those being the educational training received. Agricultural extension professionals provide much of the educational training to farmers about new and existing agricultural and environmental practices. Educating farmers within the agricultural innovation system requires the extension professional to be well equipped to provide programming that meets the needs of the learner, facilitates behaviour change and ultimately leads to the adoption of innovations. This module will provide an introduction to behaviour change and some of the factors that can influence it. Secondly, it provides an overview of important concepts for the facilitation of learning. You will also learn what factors to consider in order to develop a successful training programme. Finally, this module will explain why evaluation is vital in education programmes and show you how to evaluate the educational experience. 

The success of agricultural innovation systems (AIS) are greatly dependent on effective communication of knowledge. This module outlines the different types of knowledge that you as an extension agent will need to deal with as well as the different sources through which knowledge can be gained. You will learn that different situations may require you to take on different intermediary roles in order to facilitate the transfer of knowledge. This module also describes the different communication media and tools available to you to support your role in stimulating the flow of knowledge.

Over the years, agricultural extension has moved towards a participatory approach. This has created a need for extension organisations to be more responsive to those using their services. Economic crises have triggered a need for increased accountability, restructuring and reform in agricultural extension since the early 1990s. At the national level, inappropriate public extension policies, limited public funds, lack of accountability, and growing rural poverty have prompted developing countries to re-examine the relevance of agricultural extension in rural development. 

Agricultural extension faces the challenge of establishing a well-managed, effective, and accountable system that meets the needs of many farmers engaged in diverse and complex farming systems, as well as effectively monitoring, evaluating and assessing the impact of extension services. These challenges are the result of how dependent extension is on the performance of the agricultural research system and its feedback linkages as well as the inherent problems in ensuring political commitment and the economic sustainability of agricultural extension.

In this module, you will learn about the role of extension in innovation and development. An overview of the history of extension, its development and its status as a science and profession will be investigated with the second half of the module focusing on the tools and approaches available to you as an extension practitioner, and how apply them.