Book of Extended summaries ISDA

International Conference on Reimagining Rainfed Agro-ecosystems: Challenges &
Opportunities during 22-24, December 2022 at ICAR-CRIDA, Hyderabad
The major extension approaches that were used to transmit information to farmers are given in
the table. Farmer to Farmer Extension (FFE) followed by demonstrations, training, group
meetings and exposure visits (group approaches) were highly effective extension approaches
in that order.
Effectiveness of extension approaches in Anantapuramu district of AP.
S. No. Extension Approaches N Mean
1. Demonstrations 120 3.67
2. Trainings 120 2.86
3. Exposure Visits 40 1
4. Group Meetings 80 2.82
5. Farmer-to-Farmer Extension 40 4.9
Results from Ewbank et al. (2007) also concur with our findings. The FFE approach has the
potential of supplementing existing extension approaches and improves farmers’ access to
extension services. FFE is effective in serving farmers’ needs, institutionally more sustainable,
comparably inexpensive, and used in areas where it is inadequate or absent of government
extension staff. Furthermore, it is also thought to reach and include many poor farmers, thus
increasing the adoption of technologies.
Conclusion
In this study, we computed the EEI as well as the extension approaches in the Anantapuramu
district of A.P. The EEI was highest for WASSAN. Farmers also expressed that FFE followed
by demonstrations, training, group meetings, and exposure visits were highly effective
extension approaches in the study. It therefore imperative that the agricultural policies of A.P.
should be aimed at empowering the Agricultural department, both technically and financially,
to train farmers through FFE, Demonstrations, Trainings, Group meetings and Exposure visits
since these group approaches have proven to be effective in disseminating information to
farmers in real-time Technology-led approaches like Information and Communication
Technologies (ICTs) (like mobile, SMS, individual (individual farmer or household) and mass
media approaches (like TV, radio) was shown less preference by farmers in information
seeking in the study.
References
Ackah-Nyamike, E. E., 2007. Extension programme development and implementation: A
fundamental guide for tertiary students and practitioners. Accra: Sedco Publishing Ltd.
Anandajayasekeram, P., Puskur, R., Sindu, W., and Hoekstra, D. 2008. Concepts and practices
in agricultural extension in developing countries: A source book. Nairobi, Kenya:
843 | Page Institutional and policy innovations for accelerated and enhanced impacts