Module title: Rural Extension
Program: General Agriculture
Level: 2
1. Module description
The module on Rural Extension equips students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to effectively communicate agricultural innovations, mobilise rural communities, and support sustainable agricultural development. It introduces the principles and practices of agricultural extension with a focus on strengthening farmer capacities, promoting participatory learning, and facilitating technology transfer. The course emphasises the role of rural extension as a bridge between research, policy, and farmers, ensuring that agricultural knowledge is translated into improved livelihoods and resilient farming systems.
2. Module objectives
By the end of this module, students will be able to:
• Understand the concepts, goals, and significance of rural and agricultural extension.
• Identify the role of extension in agricultural and rural development.
• Develop basic skills in communication, training, and farmer mobilisation.
• Apply participatory approaches in working with farming communities.
• Recognise challenges in agricultural extension and propose appropriate solutions.
3. Expected learning outcomes
On completion of the module, students will be able to:
• Explain the principles, objectives, and approaches of rural extension.
• Demonstrate effective communication techniques for farmer education.
• Facilitate knowledge transfer between researchers, extensionists, and farmers.
• Conduct community mobilisation and training sessions.
• Analyse case studies of extension interventions and evaluate their effectiveness.
4. Module content
Unit 1: Introduction to rural extension
• Definition, scope, and objectives of rural extension.
• The role of extension in agricultural and rural development.
• History and evolution of agricultural extension.
• Characteristics of effective extension workers.
Unit 2: Extension approaches and methods
• Approaches to agricultural extension (top-down, participatory, farmer field schools, etc.).
• Methods of communication in extension: individual, group, and mass media approaches.
• Use of demonstrations, workshops, and training sessions.
• ICT and digital tools in agricultural extension.
Unit 3: Communication in extension
• Importance of communication skills in extension work.
• Verbal and non-verbal communication techniques.
• Designing extension messages for rural communities.
• Overcoming barriers to effective communication.
Unit 4: Community mobilisation and participation
• Principles of farmer organisation and group dynamics.
• Participatory rural appraisal (PRA) tools and techniques.
• Gender and youth inclusion in agricultural extension.
• Building trust and collaboration with farming communities.
Unit 5: Challenges and Opportunities in Rural Extension
• Constraints to effective extension (resources, infrastructure, knowledge gaps).
• Strategies for improving extension effectiveness.
• Case studies of successful agricultural extension practices.
5. Teaching and learning strategies
• Lectures & Discussions: Delivery of theoretical concepts.
• Practical Demonstrations: Field visits and community engagement.
• Case Studies: Analysis of real-life extension practices.
• Role Plays & Simulations: Practising communication and mobilisation skills.
• Group Projects: Designing extension plans for specific communities.
6. Assessment Methods
• Continuous Assessment (30%): Class participation, assignments, and group work.
• Practical Work (30%): Field reports, community interaction, demonstration activities.
• Final Examination (40%): Written exam testing theoretical and applied knowledge.
Program: General Agriculture
Level: 2
1. Module description
The module on Rural Extension equips students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to effectively communicate agricultural innovations, mobilise rural communities, and support sustainable agricultural development. It introduces the principles and practices of agricultural extension with a focus on strengthening farmer capacities, promoting participatory learning, and facilitating technology transfer. The course emphasises the role of rural extension as a bridge between research, policy, and farmers, ensuring that agricultural knowledge is translated into improved livelihoods and resilient farming systems.
2. Module objectives
By the end of this module, students will be able to:
• Understand the concepts, goals, and significance of rural and agricultural extension.
• Identify the role of extension in agricultural and rural development.
• Develop basic skills in communication, training, and farmer mobilisation.
• Apply participatory approaches in working with farming communities.
• Recognise challenges in agricultural extension and propose appropriate solutions.
3. Expected learning outcomes
On completion of the module, students will be able to:
• Explain the principles, objectives, and approaches of rural extension.
• Demonstrate effective communication techniques for farmer education.
• Facilitate knowledge transfer between researchers, extensionists, and farmers.
• Conduct community mobilisation and training sessions.
• Analyse case studies of extension interventions and evaluate their effectiveness.
4. Module content
Unit 1: Introduction to rural extension
• Definition, scope, and objectives of rural extension.
• The role of extension in agricultural and rural development.
• History and evolution of agricultural extension.
• Characteristics of effective extension workers.
Unit 2: Extension approaches and methods
• Approaches to agricultural extension (top-down, participatory, farmer field schools, etc.).
• Methods of communication in extension: individual, group, and mass media approaches.
• Use of demonstrations, workshops, and training sessions.
• ICT and digital tools in agricultural extension.
Unit 3: Communication in extension
• Importance of communication skills in extension work.
• Verbal and non-verbal communication techniques.
• Designing extension messages for rural communities.
• Overcoming barriers to effective communication.
Unit 4: Community mobilisation and participation
• Principles of farmer organisation and group dynamics.
• Participatory rural appraisal (PRA) tools and techniques.
• Gender and youth inclusion in agricultural extension.
• Building trust and collaboration with farming communities.
Unit 5: Challenges and Opportunities in Rural Extension
• Constraints to effective extension (resources, infrastructure, knowledge gaps).
• Strategies for improving extension effectiveness.
• Case studies of successful agricultural extension practices.
5. Teaching and learning strategies
• Lectures & Discussions: Delivery of theoretical concepts.
• Practical Demonstrations: Field visits and community engagement.
• Case Studies: Analysis of real-life extension practices.
• Role Plays & Simulations: Practising communication and mobilisation skills.
• Group Projects: Designing extension plans for specific communities.
6. Assessment Methods
• Continuous Assessment (30%): Class participation, assignments, and group work.
• Practical Work (30%): Field reports, community interaction, demonstration activities.
• Final Examination (40%): Written exam testing theoretical and applied knowledge.
- Teacher: Isaac Ir.MUBASHANKWAYA