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. 

The Global Forum for Rural Advisory Services (GFRAS) has elaborated the envisaged role of the “New Extensionist” and has identified the capacities required at the individual level. In this module you will be introduced to the changing context of the rural community and the implications of this on extension activities. This will be done in order to understand how the currently favoured agricultural innovation system came into being and to understand the individual roles of different types of extension advisory service providers and how they are linked. In the second half of the module, you will be introduced to the vision, mission and guiding principles of GFRAS that form the core of the organisation. In doing so you will be able to understand how the learning kit relates to you as a future extension professional and what is to come as you further your studies.