Chapter 2 - Reforms in agricultural extension service system in Bangladesh

Abstract

Agricultural extension and advisory services in Bangladesh have followed an evolutionary process of experimentation with the components of several recognized extension approaches. However, the effectiveness and efficiency of the national agricultural extension system have remained low and empirical evidence on the possibilities for reforms remains limited. This chapter describes the recent strategies and agricultural extension service reforms in Bangladesh; identifies the actors and players engaged in the agricultural extension policy process and program implementation; reviews the impact of innovation on agricultural extension approaches of the public, private, and NGO sectors; and offers suggestions for formulating the relevant cost-effective and sustainable agricultural extension systems in Bangladesh. These were done by reviewing some journals, reports, and information available on internet during July 2014–January 2015. At the same time the authors also conducted some group discussions, personal interviews, and case studies with farmers, field-level/grassroots extension workers, and some senior officers for obtaining primary data. For these, 10 upazilas of Bangladesh, namely Kaliakoir, Kaligonj, South Surma, Barura, Rajoir, Chunarughat, Chagolnaiya, Durgapur, Nachole, Monirampur, and Kalia, were randomly selected. Generally, training and visit system was found ineffective, except in the formation of DAE; Agricultural Support Service Project has introduced bottom-up extension approach; New Agricultural Extension Policy is focused on landless, marginal, and women farmers, and coordinates and integrates extension service approach with special emphasis on environment; and National Agricultural Technology Program introduced Common Interest Groups and Producers' Organizations and established Farmers' Information and Advice Centers on pilot basis. But, it was observed that theoretical and dysfunctional public-private-NGO partnerships exist, and farmers fail to harvest the benefits from extension services due to their illiteracy, reluctance, and low technological competency of extension service people. In addition, there was lack of cooperative societies at the farmers' level and inefficient bottom-up shift of participatory extension approach in Bangladesh. Considering all the strengths and loopholes witnessed, further reforms are needed involving active participation of all potential stakeholders to ensure sustainable extension service system in Bangladesh that could stand the test of time.