Peru in the 50s and 60s did have what seems to have been a very good
extension system modeled on the American land-grant system, complete
with teams with vehicles, resources, etc. to go putzing around the
countryside. However, history's events (a dictatorship, guerrilla
warfare, debilitated democracy) have almost destroyed that system.
Farmers now --if they're lucky--may have access to poorly-paid extension
agents in some areas, some may have the support of an NGO. But the great
majority creep along on their own. I am wondering if someone can
recommend either internet or "human" resources who can advise on how a
real extension system works....and whether there are examples of
electronic "agents" available. I'm aware of newsletter put out for
example by Purdue, but the farmers in Peru need must more simple, easy
to understand information.
I'm beginning to experiment with webpages (to be put on CD-ROM until the
band-width expands) which could be easily put together with voice
explanations along with written and graphic material within a system
like Macromedia's Dreamweaver website building program (allows for
animated graphics). The idea is to set up what I'm calling
"Connections's Centers" with public access computers in jungle
commercial centers, so that farmers' can come in and use them for
marketing and "learning" from the CD-ROMs when they can and hopefully
eventually be able to take advantage of the plunging price of computers
so that coops and other farmer groupings can at least get email access.
But --duh--I'm a little hazy on exactly what services ideally extension
agents offer. We would be relying on the available extension agents as
well as personnel (agronomists) from the project to proselitize the use
of the system and hopefully get the Peruvian govt interested enough to
take the project on as its own eventually. I don't know if there are
examples of "private" extension systems in the US, UK, Canada or
anywhere else.
Comment?
Sharon Stevenson
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