1. Modernizing Extension and Advisory Services
Five Key Dimensions of Extension Policy Based on MEAS Activities in Developing Countries
Dr. Paul E. McNamara
Associate Professor, Department of Agricultural & Consumer Economics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Project Director, Modernizing Extension and Advisory Services Project (MEAS); and, Extension Specialist, University of Illinois Extension
Side Event on Extension Policy GFRAS Annual Meeting
Manila, Philippines
September 25, 2012

2. 1. Implementation
Pressman and Wildavsky: “Implementation actually establishes policy”
Key point = Without implementation the policy is simply a hollow statement
Simplicity and directness are great virtues for implementation

3. 2. Process Does the process reflect the policy?
If we say that farmer-led extension is the objective, are farmers engaged significantly in the policy development process?
Market oriented? Are any private sector dealers and firms involved in the process?
Pluralistic? Are a mix of providers involved?

4. 3. Broaden the Base of Support
Does extension have support beyond the people who are paid to deliver the programs (staff, iNGOs, NGOs, paid advisors, etc.)?
Do other government ministries care whether or not the program exists?
Do farmers/clients value the services?
Example of nutrition coalitions (e.g., Thailand and others)
Key role of national level forums

5. 4. Link Between Budget and Performance
Broken link between budgeting and performance
Often farmers and farmer groups have very little input into extension programming
Often hires and placements are made centrally or by District level leaders
Farmers report not seeing an extension agent after the project has ended
Little transparency on flow of funds
Lack of link discourages active field staff

6. 5. Resources and Quality
How public programs are supported depends in part on how well they are delivered
Is program quality emphasized in the policy?
Assertion: “The quality of spending to agriculture is more important than the overall level of spending.” Akroyd and Smith, 2007, “Review of Public Spending to Agriculture,” p. 20

7. Conclusions
Starting with the end in mind helps shape the policy development process and the policy
Implementation
Groups engaged in the process
Developing the policy takes real resources of time, effort, and funds
What is hoped to be gained?

8. This presentation was given by:
Dr. Paul E. McNamara Associate Professor, Department of Agricultural & Consumer Economics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Project Director, Modernizing Extension and Advisory Services Project (MEAS); and, Extension Specialist, University of Illinois Extension. on behalf of MEAS at the a side event on Extension Policy at the GFRAS Annual Meeting Manila, Philippines on September 25, 2012

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10. www.meas-extension.org Disclaimer:
This presentation was made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development, USAID. The contents are the responsibility of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.