A Review of Modern Approaches and Strategies for Rural Development in Agricultural Extension
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18063193Keywords:
Agricultural Extension, Climate Resilience, Extension Approaches, Rural Development, Sustainable Agriculture, Technology AdoptionAbstract
Agricultural extension is the foundation of knowledge transfer, innovation spread and capacity building in the rural farming systems. Over time extension has moved away from models of traditional, linear approaches of transferring technology to more dynamic, pluralistic, participatory and ICT-driven approaches. This transformation is greatly impacted by the rapid technological advancements, increased impacts of climate variability, degradation of natural resources, increasing commercialization of agricultural activities, and increased digital literacy of rural populations. As these pressures become more acute, extension systems are needed to take more adaptive, integrated and farmer centric approaches. This review gives an overall look at the current forms of agricultural extension approaches focusing on the importance of participatory methodologies, ICT-enabled extension advisory services, agricultural innovation systems, and the promotion of sustainable farming practices. It also highlights the role of extension in livelihood diversification, rural enterprise development and youth-oriented agripreneurship which is very important in improving income opportunities and mitigating rural distress. In addition, the socio-economic factors influencing adoption behavior of the farmers such as education, income, landholding, ICT possession, and scientific orientation are also analyzed. The emerging importance of climate resilient agriculture is also discussed including the role of extension in spread of climate-smart technologies and in adaptive capacities, and in promoting eco-friendly pest and disease management practices. The importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration among research institutions, farmers, private sector actors, NGOs and government agencies is also highlighted in the review, which is gaining in relevance as the complexity of challenges and the scale of solutions increase.
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