Education and rural development: limits of extensionism

Abstract

Studies carried out in several countries reveal the relative failure of rural development initiatives undertaken mainly from the mid-1970s onwards. In this context, actions related to family farming were attributed to rural extension with the aim of promoting development in the countryside through an educational process with farmers. The occurrence of mismatches between the actions of extension organizations and the real needs of small-scale agriculture in different regions of the world is well documented in the scientific literature. The objective of this text is to discuss the main reasons why rural extension has been ineffective or has even produced results contrary to those desired in interventions with family farming. The literature consulted shows that maintaining an educational perspective inspired by technology transfer has limited the advancement of production conditions and, consequently, restricted the possibility of promoting more significant and lasting improvements in the quality of life of rural communities. To be effective in their interventions, rural extension agents first need to learn from the farmer what their fears, needs and expectations are, the organization of production and the division of labor within the family structure.

Keywords: regional development; rural extension; family farming.