Agricultural extension

Agricultural extension was once known as the application of scientific research and new knowledge to agricultural practices through farmer education.

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However, extension has various meanings to different extension professionals involved in promotion of new ideas and information and building capacity among various groups of people – not just farmers. See extension agency.

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Historically the term extension is said to have arisen from university programs designed to extend new knowledge to British city populations. It was adopted by agricultural, health and other agencies in the Americas and other regions, where extension services are often a major feature of rural life.

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Extension practioners today work in a number of extension domains, and are represented by several professional organizations (such as APEN), networks (such as AGREN) and extension journals (such as Journal of Extension).

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An extension agent is a government or university employee who travels to rural areas to assist the people in learning the newest methods in agriculture and home economics. Another program area extension agents provide is 4-H and Youth. Many extension agents work for cooperative extension service programs at land-grant universities. They are sometimes referred to as county agents or educators.

Related Topics:
Agriculture - Home economics - 4-H - Cooperative extension service - Land-grant universities - County

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