NELK

Module 02: Overview of Extension Methods and Tools

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In this module, you will learn about the role of extension in innovation and development. An overview of the history of extension, its development and its status as a science and profession will be investigated with the second half of the module focusing on the tools and approaches available to you as an extension practitioner, and how apply them.

Module outcomes

After completing this module, you will be able to:

Understand the role of extension in innovation and development and how it has changed over the years;
Understand the major extension approaches;
Understand the features of different tools and select appropriate ones based on programme goals and local context; and
Make informed decisions on the appropriate approaches and tools to fit local conditions in response to changing contexts.

What to expect

Study units
Name	Total videos	Total assessments
Study unit 1: Innovation and development in extension	2	3
Study unit 2: Major extension approaches and tools	4	4

Click on the button below to start Module 2:

Introduction

Study unit outcomes

After completing this study unit, you should be able to:

Understand the role of extension in stimulating change
Understand how different disciplines have contributed to the extension science
Understand how research and scientific journals contribute to the improvement of extension services
Understand the importance of extension as a profession
Understand the role of a code of conduct in improving public confidence.

Study unit overview

In this module you will learn about the critical role of extension in the rural sector and the changing nature of the rural sector since the early days of extension. An introduction to key terminology will assist in your understanding of the second study unit. The current status of extension as a science and profession will be investigated as well as the goals for extension in the future.

This study unit is divided into the following sections:

Introduction
Session 1.1: The value of extension
Session 1.2: Extension as a science
Session 1.3: Extension as a profession
Conclusion

Click on the button below to start the lesson for Study Unit 1:

Study Unit 1

Study unit outcomes

After completing this study unit, you should be able to:

Discuss how changing rural conditions lead to the development and promotion of different approaches;
Understand the features of major extension approaches;
Understand how reforms have affected extension services;
Understand the privatisation and decentralisation of extension services, as well as their pluralistic nature and market-led and orientated services;
Understand the features of major extension tools;
Evaluate which approaches are relevant for your specific context; and
Select tools that are appropriate to your programme goals and local conditions.

Study unit overview

In this study unit you will learn about the development of major extension approaches as well as their advantages and disadvantages. In doing so you will learn how approaches developed based on the needs of rural communities and how extension has evolved over the years to address these needs. You will also be introduced to the principle of reforms and how they have shaped global approaches in extension with a focus on the shift from a public to private environment. In the final half of the study unit you will be introduced to the tools of extension and how to apply tools and approaches to a variety of problems based on the needs of the target communities, as well as the resources available to the project..

This study unit is divided into the following sections: