Nancy, in my opinion you are right on target in your comments about the
lack of respect often shown for extension staff. Unfortunately, I see
this almost constantly among researchers. Indeed, the whole vocabulary
of "technology transfer," which now seems to be part of the entire
agricultural research establishment's theology, is, on this point,
offensive. The same situation prevails in many developing countries--all
of those in which I have worked. It seems to me to be less true of those
folks who, because of joint appointments, or because they do extensive
work in the field with farmers and extension specialists or staffs, gain
respect. Anything that helps to reduce the one-directional linearity of
the processes that link farmers with extension and research could help.