AP4123: Agricultural Extension and Communication

 Welcome Message,

Dear Students,

Greetings and welcome to this Module of Agricultural Extension and Communication.It is with pleasure that we would like to welcome you to this interesting module.This Module has two components : Agricultural Extension  Component and ICT in agriculture Component.you are all requested to read all available teaching materials.

Brief Description of the Module

This course is designed to provide students with a broad understanding on concepts, approaches of agricultural extension and communication. the role of ICT in delivering extension to farmers. During this course, students will gain a deep understanding on the current extension methods and models being used as well as the role ICT is playing in delivering extension to farmers. The course is designed in a set of lectures and workshops where there is an interaction between a lecturer and students.

Module Learning Outcomes 

After completing this module, students will have a clear understanding of:

1. What is agricultural extension, impact of agricultural extension services and extension approaches currently used in Rwanda
2. The process of agricultural technology transfer and adoption and diffusion of innovations in agriculture
3. The new concepts and innovations around ICT in Agriculture
4. The concepts and approaches of agricultural extension,
5. The role ICT is playing in delivering extension to farmers

 Contents of the Module

COMPONENT I. EXTENSION

 1.Current situation of agriculture and extension context in Rwanda

 2. Definition of extension and the role of higher education in agricultural extension services

 3. Problem analysis and current agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa (cfr JICA)

 4. Roles of extension services in supporting agricultural development

5. Various approaches of extension work

6. Extension as Profession

7.  Four Paradigms of Agricultural Extension

8.  Extension approaches, models and methods

COMPONENT II. INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY(ICT) IN AGRICULTURE

    1. Introduction to ICT in Agriculture

    2. The Concept of e-Agriculture

   3. The Role of ICT in delivering Extension to farmers

   4. Innovations in ICT in Agriculture

  5. Case studies on ICT 4 Agriculture concept

    Assessment Strategy

The main principles underlying assessment are that understanding, interpretation and application are the crucial issues.  The assessment is through:

• Continuous Assessment Test (CAT) and Assignments,
• Practical exercises,
• Seminars
• Group discussion.
• Tutorials
• Final written examination

Basically, assessment is by course work and examination in proportions that vary according to the needs of particular modules.

 Assessment pattern

Teaching Team

- Dr Callixte Gatali: Tel: +250-789667117 / Email: callixte.gatali99@gmail.com 

- Patrick Mugiraneza: Tel: +250-786529399 / Email: mupaty22@gmail.com 

Suggested Readings

•  ICT in Agriculture: Perspectives of technological innovations by E. Gelb, A. Offer (2005). Published by the European Federation for Information, Technologies in Agriculture (EFITA).
• FAO (2013). ICT uses for inclusive agricultural value chains. [online]. Available from: http://www.fao.org/docrep/017/aq078e/aq078e.pdf
• Brewer, F. (ed.) (2001) Agricultural extension systems: An international perspective. MA, USA: Courier Custom Publishing, Inc.
• Gupta, D.D. (ed.) (2004) Extension education: core contents and emerging areas. India: AGROBIOS.
• Kathiresan, A. (2011) Strategies for sustainable crop intensification in Rwanda: shifting from producing enough to producing surplus. Kigali, Rwanda: Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI).
• Okoth, J.R, Nalyongo, W. & Bonte, A. (2010). Facilitators’ Guide for Running
• a Farmer Field School: An adaptation to a post emergency recovery programme. FAO Uganda.

• Useful websites:

-  http://www.e-agriculture.org/

-  http://www.cta.int/en/

-  http://www.minagri.gov.rw/