Module 01: Introduction to the New Extentionist


The Global Forum for Rural Advisory Services (GFRAS) has elaborated the envisaged role of the “New Extensionist” and has identified the capacities required at the individual level. In this module you will be introduced to the changing context of the rural community and the implications of this on extension activities. This will be done in order to understand how the currently favoured agricultural innovation system came into being and to understand the individual roles of different types of extension advisory service providers and how they are linked. In the second half of the module, you will be introduced to the vision, mission and guiding principles of GFRAS that form the core of the organisation. In doing so you will be able to understand how the learning kit relates to you as a future extension professional and what is to come as you further your studies.

Module outcomes

After completing this module, you will be able to:

  1. Explain the reasons behind the need for EAS to develop better capacities, as elaborated in GFRAS’ call for the New Extensionist
    • Be able to explain why and how your role as an extension agent has changed
  2. Describe the capacities needed at different levels of EAS and particularly elaborate on the practical implication for field-level extension agents
    • Understand the additional knowledge and skills (or competencies) that will help improve your advisory services in the changed landscape

What to expect

Study units
Name Total videos Total assessments
Study unit 1: Rationale for the New Extensionist 1 4
Study unit 2: New Extensionist capacities 1 3

Click on the button below to start Module 1:

Introduction

Study unit outcomes

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

  • Discuss the trends observed in the rural sector with a focus on globalisation and the need for pluralism;
  • Discuss the development of AIS to address the changing rural context; and
  • Discuss the types of EAS providers and their roles.

Study unit overview

In this unit you will look at how the agricultural innovation system was developed to address the ever changing nature of the rural context as well as the types and roles of various extension service providers within this system.

This study unit is divided into the following sections:

  • Introduction
  • Session 1.1: Changes in rural farming/livelihoods and their implications
  • Session 1.2: The position of extension in the AIS
  • Session 1.3:EAS providers and their role
  • 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:

  • Understand the vision, mission and guiding principles of GFRAS that drive the New Extensionist movement;
  • Explain the different levels of strategic fields and capacity development and how they relate to one another; and
  • Have a clear understanding of what is expected of you and the core competencies to be covered in this module and others.

Study unit overview

In this study unit yo will learn about the goals, vision and extentionist capacities that you will need to have and develop as part of being a 'New Extentionist'.

This study unit is divided into the following sections:

  • Introduction
  • Session 2.1: GFRAS principles and their effect on EAS capacity development
  • Session 2.2: New roles and capacities in the EAS
  • Session 2.3:Core competencies required by the New Extensionist
  • Conclusion

Click on the button below to start the lesson for Study Unit 2:

Study Unit 2