Extension services play a pivotal role in the food system around the world, acting as a bridge between researchers, policymakers, and farmers. These services provide essential knowledge, resources, and support to farmers, helping them adopt innovative practices, improve productivity, and address critical issues. By disseminating cutting-edge research findings, offering technical assistance, and facilitating community engagement, extension professionals contribute significantly to sustainable agriculture, rural development, and food security. Their role in empowering farmers with the latest information and skills is crucial for building resilient and thriving agricultural systems. Below I've summarized a case study manuscript I worked on with several amazing colleagues analyzing the history and evolution of the Global Forum for Rural Advisory Services (GFRAS).
Through an analysis spanning eight years of annual meetings, the Global Forum for Rural Advisory Services (GFRAS) offers valuable insights into its transformative journey. Each annual gathering marked a significant phase:
Emancipation (2010): GFRAS emerged from the Neuchâtel Initiative, striving to establish itself as a global institution advocating for the significance of extension in agricultural development.
Consolidation (2011): Regional networks solidified, shaping the institutional landscape of extension worldwide.
Positioning (2012): GFRAS focused on defining the role of advisory services within agricultural innovation systems, leading to the development of "The New Extensionist" framework.
Broadening (2013): The network expanded its scope beyond the public sector, engaging producer organizations and the private sector in extension efforts.
Strengthening (2014-2015): Emphasis on policy development, knowledge sharing, and capacity building reinforced GFRAS's impact across regions.
Deepening (2016-2017): GFRAS delved into nontraditional topics like agripreneurship and prioritized inclusion of marginalized groups, intensifying its outreach efforts.
Partnering (2018): Collaboration became paramount as GFRAS sought to extend its influence beyond the extension community, forging partnerships to address global agricultural issues.
Despite notable progress, challenges persist:
Resource Constraints: GFRAS's donor dependency highlights the need for a sustainable funding strategy.
Stakeholder Engagement: Attracting diverse stakeholder groups like farmer organizations and the private sector remains a challenge.
As extension services adapt to societal shifts, embracing a networked and integrated approach becomes imperative. I've included the original manuscript and a link to the research below if you would like to learn more. Please share your perspectives and contribute using the comments below!
Davis, K., Dolly, D., Lamm, A. J., & Lamm, K. W. (2018). The future of extension: A network emergence perspective from the case of the global forum for rural advisory services. Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education, 25(4), 40-51. https://newprairiepress.org/jiaee/vol25/iss4/3/
As someone deeply passionate about enhancing agricultural development in Africa, I am intrigued by the topic "Navigating the Evolution of Global Extension Services." Joining Lamm's lab presents an invaluable opportunity to gain deeper insights into the evolving landscape of extension services worldwide. Moreover, I am eager to share perspectives from Africa's unique context, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of extension practices globally. This exchange of knowledge and experiences aligns perfectly with my commitment to driving sustainable agricultural development in Africa and beyond.