Survey of the Information Flow in National Extension Systems
In 1999, FFTC began a survey of the information flow in national extension systems. The survey was part of a larger project to establish a database of practical technology related to sustainable land management
The Survey Project
In the first half of 1999, FFTC organized a survey of the extension systems in three countries in the region, Vietnam, the Philippines and Samoa. (Vietnam was chosen as a centralized extension system, Philippines as a decentralized system, and Samoa as a small-scale Pacific island system). The survey analyzed the flow of information through the extension system. It also studied the information needs of farmers, and the extension medium which farmers preferred. This survey was part of a wider project being carried out in cooperation with IBSRAM (International Board for Soil Research and Management) to develop an on-line database on practical technology for sustainable land management. (This database is expected to come on-line by the end of the year. We shall give more information in a future issue of the Newsletter).
Preferred Media for Extension
Most farmers prefer to get their extension information direct from their extension advisors, during farm visits and other meetings. However, there are so many farmers in relation to the number of extension staff that farmers everywhere have to depend on the mass media for a lot of their extension information. FFTC also disseminates its information from a distance. The Center was interested to find what kind of media are preferred by farmers, as a guide to where we should be channeling our information.
Most farmers in the Philippines prefer radio as the medium for extension information. They like the fact that information is received regularly, and that programs are in the local dialect. Also, most farmers own or have access to a radio, whereas TV sets are more expensive. Another advantage of radios is that they are portable, so that farmers can listen to programs when they are working outside.
A favorite radio program is the national "School on the Air", which provides lessons by radio to farmer students. Outstanding farmers are the main teachers. This educational program has been going for 27 years, and has thousands of graduates every year.
Leaflets and TV are the media preferred by farmers in Vietnam. Farmers like printed materials (especially leaflets with good, clear pictures) because they can keep them as a reference, and read and use them over a long period of time. TV is a favorite medium, because it is easy to understand and it presents " hot news". Most rural villages have a communal center with a TV set. Radio is not very important in extension.
Samoan farmers don't have a strong preference for any particular medium. Some prefer paper leaflets and manuals, others prefer radio or TV. They all prefer paper extension materials to be in the Samoan language. TV is preferred by some farmers because of the visual impact, while the radio is favored by other farmers because radios are cheaper. Furthermore, TV reception is poor in some parts of Samoa, whereas radio has satisfactory reception just about everywhere. Also, farmers can participate in weekly radio programs discussing their successes and failures.
What Information Do Farmers Need?
An important aspect of the survey was whether there are information gaps which FFTC might address in its future programs. The survey used a questionnaire to identify topics which farmers would like more information about.
A common need was more information about postharvest technology and marketing. Farmers want to know how to extend the shelf life of perishable crops, and small-scale food processing at a household level. Farmers also want to learn how to reduce their production costs through better management of purchased farm inputs such as fertilizer and pesticides, and the use of low-cost biological alternatives. Pest and disease control is another favored topic in crop production.
Among livestock producers in all three countries, disease diagnosis and treatment is a priority information need. Farmers feel they need more information about identifying the cause of sickness in livestock, and how to control diseases efficiently. Like crop farmers, livestock raisers also want information about how to reduce their production costs. In livestock production, it is feed which is the largest single item of expenditure. Farmers want to learn about alternative feed resources, better management of feed and feed additives and the quality and price of livestock feed. They are also interested in marketing information, and the prices being paid for animal products.
Acknowledgements
The survey was carried out by:
Ms. Velma S. Encanto, Chief, Agricultural Communication Office, Department of Agriculture, Region 6
and also Region 6 Applied Communications Coordinator, PCARRD
Iloilo, Philippines
Mr. Le Van Du, Head of Department of Soil, Water and Fertilizer Sciences, University of Agriculture and Forestry at Thu Duc, National Universities of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Dr. Ken Lameta, Institute for Research, Extension and Training in Agriculture (IRETA), University of the South Pacific, Alafua Campus, Apia, Western Samoa
Their survey reports will be published shortly.
Index of Images
Figure 1 MR. Le Van Du (Left) and DR. Ken Lameta in the Field<BR>
Figure 2 MS. Encanto Interviewing an Extension Specialist Working with Mango Producers
