CHAPTER - 2 Extension Education- meaning, definition, scope and process Shaik Sameer Assistant Professor, College of Agriculture, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation, Green fields, Vaddeshwaram, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh-522302. 1. Introduction Extension education is a type of educational program that is designed to extend the knowledge and skills of individuals beyond traditional classroom settings. The goal of extension education is to provide practical and applicable information to individuals who may not have access to formal education or who wish to continue learning in specific areas. Extension education programs are often offered by universities, colleges, and other educational institutions. They may cover a wide range of subjects, including, agriculture, health, finance, and technology. These programs may be delivered through various methods, including online courses, workshops, seminars, and conferences. One of the key features of extension education is its focus on practical application, Extension educators often work with communities and individuals to identify the most pressing, educational needs and develop programs that address those needs. This can include teaching new skills, providing resources and support, and connecting individuals with experts in their field In India, the growing involvement and extent of extension in various development work sub-sectors has raised the necessity for work in this area of subject matter. The extension process seems to be the most effective way to get people to use their own resources as much as possible and as little government assistance as possible in the development process, The practice of extension has a lengthy history, both in the past and present. Extension may have existed when farming was first practiced by human civilisation Archaeological findings show that people at the period exchanged knowledge about more effective agriculture practices. This may be seen in the success of the Mesopotamian civilisation, which transformed agriculture and rural regions across much of the world. Over time, extensions have taken on many shapes and served a variety of purposes. In the end, the extension transformed into a formalized public service that is supported by substantial financial and human resources and is implemented by governments with thejon, scope and process aim of enhancing rural people's capacities to adopt new technologies and practices in order to adapt to changing circumstances and societal needs. ‘The extension idea and its uses are also widely known among academics. ‘educators, and professionals in the agricultural and "allied sciences.” Yet. the majority of people in other development subsector subsectors do not have a good understanding of the meaning, idea, relevance, and implementation of extension principles. Hence, the goal of this unit is to help you comprehend these challenges so that you may’ perform extension work in various development subsectors. Extension education plays a critical role in promoting lifelong learning, and providing individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to suecced in their personal and professional lives. 2. Extension Education 2.1 Meaning: The Greek roots "tensio" (which means stretching) and "ex" (which means out) are the source of the English word “extension.” Extension education refers to a sort of ‘education that extends beyond the walls of the schools & colleges where the official type of education is often contained and into the villages and fields. In other words, an out-of-school system of education is meant when the word "Extension" is used in this context. And the word "extension" is frequently used to ‘comprehend and "expand" new concepts and activities. Father of Extension - J, P. Leagans (World context) Dr. K.N. Singh (Indian context.) 2.2 Extension service: A company or program that uses the extension process to carry ‘out its plans for rural welfare and agricultural growth 2.3 Extension method: The extension method entails working with rural residents through non-school education in accordance with their present interests and needs, which are closely related to securing a living, enhancing the standard of living for rural families, and promoting the welfare of rural communiti 2.4 Definitions given by scientists 1. According to J.P. Leagans (1961), “extension education is an applied science that combines content from research, accumulated field experience, and pertinent behavioral science principles with useful technology to create a body of philosophy. principles, content, and methods that are focused on the issues associated with out-of-school education for adults and children.” 2. “Extension work is a form of extracurricular education where adults and children learn by doing. Government and populace work together to deliver services and education that are tailored to their needs. The development of the community is, its primary goal.” (Kelsey and Harne (1963)). 3. According to D. Ensminger (1961), “extension is a program and a process that assists rural residents in becoming more self-sufficient, increasing their output, and improving their overall level of life.”Agriculture Extension Education 9 4, According to H.W. Butt (1961), “extension is the greater spread of information that is beneficial for enhancing rural living.” 5. Extension is a two-way conduit that both disseminates scientific knowledge to rural populations and transports their issues to. scientific institutions for resolution. It is a continual educational process in which both students and teachers give and receive (B. Rambhai, 1958) 6. According to O.P. Dahama (1973). extension education is a process that educates rural residents about better practices in a way that is persuading and assists them in making decisions that are appropriate for their own local circumstanes 7. According to V.C. Sanoria (1986), agricultural extension is a professional method of non-formal education that aims to change farmers’ behavior in order to increase their income through increased production and productivity. This is done by establishing strong links with research to address farmers’ problems, ensuring the timely and adequate supply of inputs, and using tried-and-true ‘communication techniques to hasten the diffusion and adoption of innovations. 3. History of extension education Prior to the development of modem techniques of agricultural extension in the nineteenth century, however, the distribution of pertinent information and advice to farmers had a long, though tumultuous past. About 1800 B.C., there was the first recorded instance in Mesopotamia (approximately contemporary Iraq). Clay tablets from the period were discovered by archaeologists, and they contained instructions for watering crops and getting rid of rodents, which are crucial for preventing any possible loss of tax money from farmers, A few hieroglyphs on Egyptian columns also offered suggestions for preventing agricultural damage and fatalities from floods along the Nile. A significant development was the emergence of agricultural texts. The oldest, though few have remained, were written by the ancient Greek & Phoenician cultures, while some of them were modified by Roman authors. From the second century B.C. through the fourth century A.D., numerous significant Latin writings were published with the intention of assisting Roman landowners in maintaining and enhancing their then-estates and their income, These works frequently drew from actual agricultural experience. Cambridge University in England first used the phrase “extension education” in 1873. The current form of agricultural extension was first introduced in the USA in 1908, when Rusewelt, the country's president at the time, appointed a Country Life Commission to investigate the causes of people's migration from rural to urban areas in order to prevent it by involving them in agricultural and rural development initiatives. In India, the Gurgaon project, initiated by F.L. Brayne in 1920, served as the main catalyst for expansion. When it was discovered that there was a substantial gap between research findings and farmer knowledge and practice, which eventually led to low productivity and production, the extension system was bom. An organization that can perform the ‘twin duty of delivering research findings to people and issues of people to research10 Extension Education- mea 19, definition, scope and process stations is deemed vital in this context for bridging the gap between research activities, farmers, and the general public. 4, Concept of extension The term "extension" can be interpreted in a number of different ways. Each extension agent presumably has a different definition of extension. This comprehension will be dependent on prior knowledge and the specific sort of extension service the agent is dealing with. In other words, there isn't a single definition of extension that is recognized by everyone or that can be used in every circumstance. Additionally, extension is a dynamic notion in that its meaning is always evolving. Hence, extension is, 1a phrase that refers to a continuous and evolving process in rural regions rather than one that can be exactly defined. Extension is a loosely structured educational practice aimed at the rural populace, This procedure provides guidance and knowledge to assist people in resolving their issues. Moreover, extension strives to boost the productivity of the family farm and generally raise the farm family's standard of life. ‘The goal of extension is to alter farmers’ perspectives on their challenges. Extension focuses on the growth of rural residents as a whole, in addition to their physical and economic accomplishments, As a result, extension agents engage in discussions with rural residents to better understand their issues and assist them come up with solutions Extension is a method of assisting rural residents in enhancing their standard of living. This entails assisting farmers in increasing the productivity of their farming operations as well as strengthening their capacity to shape their own future growth. The aforementioned quotes serve to highlight the variety of ways that extension ‘can be interpreted. They do have a few similar traits, though. All of them emphasize that extension is a process that happens over time, not just a single, one-time activity ‘The process of extension can be broken down into four main components: technical advice and information, knowledge and skills, farmers’ organization, and motivation. These four components can be identified if statements like those above are examined more closely and current ideas and practices of extension are taken into account 4.1 Knowledge and skills: Extension may provide farmers with additional knowledge and information that they do not already have, even when they already have a great deal of understanding, about their surroundings and farming practices. Examples of information that the agent may provide to farmers include understanding of the reason why a certain crop was damaged. general pest management concepts, or how manure & compost are divided up to supply plant nutrients When such knowledge is put to use, the farmer frequently needs to lea new skills of many different kinds, such as technical skills to operate unfamiliar equipment, overall organizational skills to manage a group project, the ability to evaluate theAgriculture Extension Education 1 economic implications of technical advice, or farm management skills to keep track of usage of resources and equipment on the farm, The extension agent must thoroughly prepare himself for the important extension activity of providing expertise and abilities to farmers and their families. He must identify the knowledge gaps or skills gaps among the farmers in his region and set up the appropriate leaming opportunities for the farmers to fill such gaps. 4.2 Technical advice and information: Moreover, extension offers guidance and knowledge to help farmers make decisions and generally empower them to take action, This information may include data ‘on markets and pricing, for instance, or on the accessibility of financing and inputs. The technical guidance will likely be more immediately applicable to the family farm's production operations and the actions required increasing or maintaining this production. ‘The results of agricultural research will serve as the foundation for much of this technical guidance. But, in many cases, farmers may also be trusted sources of guidance and knowledge for other farmers, thus agents should constantly make an effort to connect farmers. 4.3 Farmer's organization: Farmers also require some kind of organization, both to represent their interests and to provide them with a way to take collective action, in addition to expertise, information, and technical guidance. Hence, extension should focus on assisting in the formation, development, and growth of local farmer groups. This should be a shared effort, and any organization of this kind should only be established after consulting the farmers. These organizations will facilitate extension services’ interactions with regional farmers in the future and act as a conduit for the communication of information and expertise 4.4 Motivation and self-confidence: Isolation and the perception that there is nothing they can do to improve their circumstances are two of the biggest obstacles to growth that many farmers encounter. Some farmers may have spent their entire lives working hard under trying conditions to support their families with little help or inspiration, 5. Principles of extension education: Y Principle of need & interest: Indicates that it is founded on the wants and desires of the people. The concept of cultural diversity: Based on the people's cultural heritage The adaptation principle: Programs for extension should be adaptable. The organization's "grass roots" principle: Programs that match along with local circumstances encourage participation from an increasing number of individuals, The rule of leadership: The program relies entirely on local leadership. The whole-family approach: Means program is beneficial for all family members. including male, female, and children. 446 MS12 Extension Education- mea 19, definition, scope and process KAN ‘The cooperative principle Participation principle Relevance: Extension education must be pertinent to its intended audience's requirements. Programs need to be created to satisfy customer demands and adapt to those needs changing Impact: Participants’ lives must be improved as a result of extension education Programs must be created with their target audience's quality of life in mind Efficiency: Extension education must utilize resources in an efficient manner. For programs to have the desired effect, resources must be used effectively Economic viability is essential for extension education, Programs must be planned to bring in enough money to both cover expenditures and tum a profi Accountability: Extension education needs to answer to its intended audience as well as its financial backers and other interested parties. Programs need to be created to live up to the expectations of the people who finance and support them. 6. Scope of extension: v In order to assist people live better lives by Ieaming how to improve their professions, companies, and institutions, extension education is a science that deals with the production, transfer, and application of information meant to bring, about deliberate changes in people's behavior. Extension education, also known as outreach education, is a type of education that seeks to extend or expand the reach of formal education to individuals, ‘communities. and organizations that are beyond the traditional classroom setting, The scope of extension education is vast and includes a wide range of topics and fields, including Agriculture and farming: Extension education is commonly used to help farmers and agricultural workers improve their techniques, increase their crop vields, and adopt sustainable farming practices. Health and wellness: Extension education can be used to promote healthy living habits, educate people about diseases, and provide information about healthcare services Community development: Extension education can help communitic social, economic, and environmental issues, such as poverty, housing, and sustainability Business and entreprencurship: Extension education can provide training and support for small business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, and individuals looking to improve their job skills, Education and training: Extension education can be used to provide additional training and education opportunities for individuals who may have missed out on formal education or who are looking to further their education. The purpose of extension in agriculture and home economics is to help farmers and homemakers use their own resources and those that are available to them more effectively in order to solve issues now and adapt to shifting economic and social situations addressAgriculture Extension Education 13 Y Overall, the scope of extension education is broad and can be applied to a variety of fields and topics. The goal of extension education is to provide individuals and ‘communities with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to improve their lives and create a better future for themselves and those around them. 7. Features of Extension education: Participation is totally optional Y Iti anon-formal education The teacher or extension worker starts with the practical and moves on to the theoretical, or first the practical and then the theoretical No set curriculum or course of study exists It is bidirectional learning, which implies that while a teacher is instructing farmers, they are also learning from them. Flexible learning, The ability to create programs locally Its founded on the needs and stated preferences of the populace. It is an education throughout life AS A468 8. Importance of extension educati Extension educates farmers using democratic techniques, Expansion aids in the uptake of innovations. Extension aids in researching and resolving rural issues Extension raises agricultural outputs and raises farmers’ standards of life. Extension improves and advances flourishing communities. Extension aids in the implementation of national development policies. To improve the quality of life for rural residents by assisting them in making the best use of their resources. To assist in developing and carrying out family and community strategies for enhancing, Y To offer conditions for improved family living. To increase productivity in diverse vocations, KSA KKK < Comparatively speaking, literate men have access to more information sources than illiterate men, Neoliterates and illiterates still struggle to find accurate information from a reliable source. Herein lies the function of extension educators and service providers. If we don’t leam the day-to-day advancements in my field of expertise, nobody will be conversing to me in the long term, regardless of how well educated or skilled we are in our specialty. That holds true for all professions, 9, Objectives: 9.1 Fundamental objective: Development of the people, or the creation of the "destination man,” is cextension’s primary goal. In other words, the goal is to use education to improve the rural population on an economic, social, and cultural level. Eg. To raise the socioeconomic standing and living standards of the Indian farming communityjon, scope and process ctional objectives: 1. To help people identify and analyze their issues, as well as their felt and unfelt needs. 2. To foster leadership among individuals and assist them in forming organizations to address issues. 3. To distribute knowledge based on study and/or practical experience in a way that will be accepted and put into effect by the people 4, Periodically tell the researchers about the issues facing the public so that they can provide remedies based on the appropriate research 5. Helping people mobilize and use the resources they already have and those they need from the outside. Eg, To boost the productivity and output of paddy in India. 9.3 Specific objectives: To impart information and assistance for improved farm management and higher To motivate farmers to cultivate their own food, eat well, and lead healthy lives To encourage greater mental, spiritual, and natural health among the populace. To aid rural households in their better understanding of SWOT in the community To provide rural residents with fresh chances for leadership and talent development 10, Process of Extension Education situation Via ~ L \. Reconside ration, Objectives \ \ aay ‘Teaching cE Figure 1 Extension education Process 10.1. First Step: Gathering information and analyzing the problem make up the first step. Information on the people and their businesses, as well as the economic, cultural, social physical, and technological surroundings in which they reside and work. By conducting a proper survey and building trust with the population, these can be discovered.Agriculture Extension Education 15 ‘The replies collected must be examined with the community's residents to determine the sues and resources available, For instance, a community poll and data analysis revealed that the issue was the farm family's poor revenue from their goat business. 10.2. Second Step: The second stage is to choose attainable goals that the community can achieve. The local population should be consulted while choosing a small number of goals. When the goals are achieved, the community should be satisfied. They should be precise and clearly expressed. The expected economic and social effects should be included in the objectives, together with the behavioral changes in individuals, Low income from the goat producing company was recognized as the issue in the scenario. A more thorough analysis of the data indicated that poor revenue was caused by low goat weight increase, which was blamed on the absence of concentrate feed utilization and illness preventive measures. The goal was to raise the goat's body weight by 20% by the time it was marketable by taking into account the skill and competency of the community members as well as the availability of resources. According to estimates, gaining weight will boost income, which will improve family welfare. 10.3. Third Step: The third phase is teaching. which entails deciding what should be taught (the content) and how the subject matter should be delivered to the audience (the methods and aids to be used). It involves choosing research discoveries with economic and practical value that are pertinent to the community, as well as choosing and ‘combining the best teaching strategies and tools Use of concentrate feed, deworming, and vaccination were chosen as instructional topics based on the issues found in the specific situation. The teaching techniques of result demonstration, method demonstration, farmers’ training, and farm publications, as well as the teaching aids of audio CDs and slides, were chosen. 10.4. Fourth Step: The fourth phase is to evaluate the instruction, which entails figuring ‘out how well the goals have been met, A re-survey should be conducted in order to assess educational program outcomes objectively. It is important to gather evidence of altered behavior, which may be used to assess success and, if necessary, identify any ‘weaknesses. In the given instance, a further assessment conducted after the predetermined amount of time revealed a 10% rise in the goat's body weight. Hence, it showed that there was a 10 percent difference between the crop yield and the previously set aim (objective) of 20 percent. The results of the re-survey also showed that there had been two significant flaws in the execution of the extended educational program, including a lack of effective disease prevention measures in accordance with recommendations owing to a lack of funding 10.5. Fifth Step: The fifth phase is a review of the whole extension educational program in light of the evaluation's findings. If no new issues or circumstances have emerged, the issues found throughout the review process may serve as the foundation for the extension educational program's next phase. Following further discussion of the evaluation's findings with the participants, the following leaming objectives were once more established. For instance, they taught the16 ion, scope and process farmers how to keep their goats properly. The populace was also instructed to get in touch with the banks in order to get manufacturing credit in time to buy the essential materials, So, the ongoing process of extension education will continue, enabling individuals to advance from a less favorable condition. 11. Need for extension education: * Extension education refers to educational programs and activities that extend beyond traditional classroom settings, often to reach adults who are already in the workforce. * Lifelong learning: Extension education provides opportunities for individuals to continue learning throughout their lives. It allows individuals to keep up with changes in their fields, acquire new skills, and stay current with trends and developments. + Professional development: Extension education programs can help individuals enhance their job skills, become more competitive in the job market, and advance their careers, * Community development: Extension education can also help communities develop and prosper by providing individuals with the knowledge and skills to start and grow businesses, engage in civic activities, and improve the quality of life in their communities, © Access to educa Extension education programs often offer flexible schedules and locations, making education more accessible to individuals who may not have the time o resources to attend traditional classroom settings. * Innovation and research: Extension education programs often involve partnerships with industry and government agencies, providing opportunities for innovation and research that can benefit society as a whole * Overall, extension education plays a critical role in providing individuals and ‘communities with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in today's rapidly changing world. 12. Conclusion: The idea of extension education is in charge of translating complicated research knowledge into plain English so that the concems thus far covered may be understood Extension functions on both a service level and an educational level. Extension services mostly possess non-formal education characteristics while deviating little from formal education characteristics. The definitions place a strong emphasis on both serving others and educating them. The range of expansion includes nearly every facet of existence. It has gradually assimilated into our lives, without which the idea of growth may vanish into obscurity. So, we may conclude that extension has a significant impact on ‘community development in general and agriculture and related sciences in particular. gag