Farmers throughout the world benefit greatly from having access to extension and advisory services (EAS). The EAS landscape in most countries is diverse and typically described as “pluralistic”: not only are there many different types of providers (public sector, private for profit, NGOs and CSOs, farmer-based organizations , …) but also different models and approaches are used (e.g., through lead farmers, through volunteers, “answer plots”, …). The type of advice provided differs.

During the recent MEAS Symposium on the role of extension and advisory services in improving livelihoods and food security, participants presented alternative models of EAS provision. These have been compiled in a case study document with 11 different models profiled.

For each model, information is provided on:

• The clientele being served and how
• How well suited the approach is for different types of technologies or practices
• How the approach enhances farmer learning and the adoption of new technologies and practices as well as their adaptation in use
• How the model is financed
• How this kind of service can be sustained beyond what is most likely a defined project period
• How the model might be scaled up or applied in other contexts/countries
• Any shortcomings/limitations of the approach.

The ‘Modernizing Extension and Advisory Services‘ project wants to hear from anyone interested in adding their model to the inventory: Send an email to Andrea Bohn – abohn AT illinois.edu