Agricultural Extension and Applied Research Project

Agricultural Extension and Applied Research Project

The project operated in four different agro-ecological zones, where rainfed agriculture and livestock production are important economic activities. Its aim was to improve the production capacities and farm incomes of poor rural people by providing support for agricultural extension services and applied research.

The project took two approaches in agricultural extension and information transfer. The first was based on systematic personal contact between extension agents and farmers, and the second was based on the use of mass communication and audio-visual aids.

To introduce improved farm technology, the project implemented an intensive programme of extension and field demonstrations. In selected villages it posted multi-purpose village extension agents who were responsible for extension over a given area, and it organized effective contacts between the agents and farmers.

To ensure the effectiveness of audio-visual materials and mass communication methods, the project established an Extension Information Centre in Ankara, the capital. It supported applied research institutes, which produced improved technology packages that local agents then offered to farmers.

Source: IFAD