A study of the agricultural extension service in the United States (North Carolina) and the agricultural extension service in Ghana

Abstract

The objectives of the study were as follows:

To investigate the following of the Agricultural Extension Service in the United States (North Carolina) and Ghana: A. Background and History; B. Organization; C. Program Areas; D. Communication Proceses and Methods Used; and E. Reporting and Evaluation of Frog rams. To write a descriptive comparison of the two extension systems. To make recommendations for the improvement of the Ghanain Extension Service based on the findings.

Ghana has an Agricultural Extension Service which has not been successful in changing the life of the peasant farmers and needs to be improved if agriculture is to be successful in Ghana. It is now believed by the Ghanain policy makers that agriculture is a more stable and everlasting base for the economy and again needs to be a primary source of income. The methods used in this study were as follows: A. Resources Review. A resource review was made of tha elements selected for the study. B. Sources of Information. Additional information was obtain.ea from other sources such as the Agricultural Extension Service in the United States and Ghana through personal interviews. C. A descriptive comparison was made of all of the elements studied, and conclusions were drawn. D. Recommendations for the improvement of the Ghana Extension Service were made. The comparison of the Agricultural Extension Service in the United States and the Ghanain Extension Service shows a number of similarities and differences. There are differences in the organizational structure, methods used to carry out the Extension programs, variety of programs and methods of reporting and evaluation of programs. Ten important recommendations resulted from the study for the improvement of the Agricultural Extension Service in Ghana.

That laws or decrees be enacted to provide a legal basis for the organization and operation of the extension service by the Ghana government. That a formal functional organizational relationship be established between the Agricultural Extension Service and the higher educational institutes. That advisory committees be organized at each level of the organizational structure of the Agricultural Extension Service. That clientele committees' input be utilized in the development process of the program areas. That the Home Economics area be emphasized so that it will have more impact on the local people. That youth programs be established as a part of the total extension programs. That the program areas of the Extension Service be developed and implemented at the local levels. That an evaluation unit be created as part of the Extension division. That the farm demonstration technique of teaching. be used as the primary teaching method, and That adequate working relationships be established at the top organizational level and maintained at the local levels :between the Agricultural Extension Service and all agriculturally related institutions.