MAINSTREAMING CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION IN AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION
SECTION 5.0
FACILITATION ROLE OF EXTENSION IN ENABLING FARMERS
TO COPE WITH CLIMATE CHANGE/ EXTENSION METHODS TO
PROMOTE ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE AND CLIMATE
VARIABILITY
The complete slideshow can be found in Appendix 3
INTRODUCTION
1. What is agricultural extension? (Question to be answered by participants)
2. History of agricultural extension
1950s to 1960s
“We must teach the farmer the right technology”
The technology crafted at research centres was often not useful for the
resource poor farmer
1960s to 1970s
“We must ease the constraints so farmers can adopt” i.e. credit for
implements and inputs
Resource rich farmers profit but was often uneconomic for the resource
poor farmer.
Early 1970s
“We must understand the conditions of the farmers and design
technologies that fit
Study the system, figure out solutions.
Resource poor farmers involved as sources of information about their
conditions
Early 1980s
“Farmers have to say what they need and evaluate the possible
solutions”
A Training Manual on Use of Climate Information and Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment for
Agricultural Extension Staff in Zimbabwe
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