Theory question 110
Agricultural Extension(a) Explain the term extension in agriculture.
(b) State eight functions of an extension agent.
(c) List six problems of agricultural extension in your country.
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(a) Agricultural extension is the out-of-school education of farmers that carries research findings and improved practices to them and feeds their problems back to research, to raise output and living standards
(b) Any eight: teach improved methods; carry out demonstrations; link research and farmers; help farmers get inputs and credit; advise on marketing; organise farmers' groups/cooperatives; collect farmers' problems; inform farmers of government policies; motivate adoption of innovations; organise field days and shows; help in rural development
(c) Any six: illiteracy of farmers; few extension workers; poor transport; lack of teaching aids/funds; poor pay and motivation; language barriers; farmers' resistance to change; poor research–extension link; inputs not available; land tenure problems
Define, then eight functions and six problems.