Assessing Advocacy Capacity: Introducing a Practical Scale for Extension Networks
- Kevan Lamm
- Mar 19
- 2 min read
Extension networks play an important role in translating agricultural research into practical solutions. They connect farmers, organizations, policymakers, and others, ensuring resources and expertise are available when needed. Based on a project with the Global Forum for Rural Advisory Services (GFRAS), I worked with a team of amazing collaborators to develop an empirical scale for Extension networks to assess their advocacy capacity. Advocacy is important for Extension networks to be able to represent stakeholder interests and building resilience across the food system. Our study developed and validated an instrument to assess advocacy capacity in international extension networks. Based on Lewin’s Organizational Change Theory, we identified five factors—support, integration, influence, performance, and visibility—that show how networks gather resources, adopt new methods, and sustain momentum.
Key Findings
Clear Priorities: The instrument identified areas where advocacy efforts need attention, such as building strategic alliances and communicating with policymakers.
Holistic Approach: It looks at how networks integrate advocacy into ongoing activities, helping leaders and stakeholders identify different responsibilities.
Improved Visibility: By assessing performance and outreach, networks can see if they are reaching the right audiences and making an impact.
Practical Recommendations
Set Measurable Goals: Extension networks can use the instrument to define progress goals for advocacy efforts. For example, identify networks might set policy engagement or collaborative program targets and track how well these goals are met.
Strengthen Collaboration: Focus on shared advocacy tasks. Networks should develop teams that monitor policy changes and share resources across different networks and organizations.
Encourage Ongoing Feedback: Integrate the tool into regular evaluations to see if network members feel supported, know their roles, and see results from their advocacy efforts.
Invest in Training: Provide leadership development and communication workshops so network members can effectively represent stakeholder interests and needs.
By applying this new instrument, Extension networks can identify areas for potential improvements, increase advocacy efforts, and better support the stakeholders they represent. I've included the full manuscript if you would like to learn more. Please be sure to share your insights in the comments.
Lamm, K. W., Lamm, A. J., Davis, K., Sanders, C. E., & Powell, A. (2021). Development and validation of the international extension network advocacy capacity scale. Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education, 28(5), 65-95. https://doi.org/10.4148/2831-5960.1029
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