Participatory extension methods

Much has been written on participatory extension techniques. In principle it is a continuous process of assessing a situation, analysing it and taking action to improve the situation (Box 7). 

---

Development approaches should change from a disciplinary subject through a top-down extension method into a integrated topic through a participatory development process (see The organic approach sustainability as a subject of extension and participation as an extension method and Participatory extension methods. 

Participatory extension methods are cyclic and ongoing processes. They should be owned by the target groups but can be initialised and guided by outsiders. 

So when the subject of extension has been determined, namely sustainable development, the method of extension has to be found. Top-down extension methods have failed. But how to get a bottom up or a right mix between top-down and bottom-up approaches In Northern Ghana the participatory technology development approach, as a mixture of bottom-up and top-down approaches, has shown fascinating results in pilot projects and shows great potential to boost sustainable development in rural areas. 

Step 2 Identify the key problem in agriculture or any other topic to which the extension method is focusing. The Participatory Research Action method may be helpful to find the key problem. 

Organic agriculture tries consciously to combine a multidisciplinary way of development with a participatory method of extension (see Box 6 for a definition of organic agriculture). 

---