Extension (capacity development, knowledge management and linkages) research in LIVES

Extension (capacity development,knowledge management & linkages) research in LIVES

Fanos Mekonnen

LIVES Research Planning Workshop

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 26-28 March 2013

Outline

• Why extension system transformation • Extension interventions in LIVES• Extension Research approach • Potential research types

Why Extension system transformation

To make the extension system more efficient and effective in support of participatory market oriented commodity value chain development

Extension in LIVES

Extension in its wider sense embraces knowledge brokering, facilitation, translation, intermediary… which all work to put knowledge into practice and learn lessons

Extension system transformation

Conventional system• Top down approach • Focus on natural

resource, food security • Technology/ supply

Driven/ blue print /

Transformative system • Participatory approach • Market focus• Demand driven/ Responsive

Time

Extension system transformation

OoARD/EARS

farmers

projects

Private sector/coop

Knowledge interactions

Input/service supply/marketing

Extension Interventions cont. Capacity Development interventions – TOT to public sector staff ( Short, on the job)– Formal training (MSc )to extension experts– Training to input suppliers– Training to producers (Couple, women, youth group)

Knowledge Management Interventions – Field visit/ study tours/ exhibitions/ workshops – Use of ICTs (e-readers, audio visuals, EAP, website, social

media…)– Use of Agricultural knowledge centers

Linkage creation through platforms – Use of commodity platforms

Extension Intervention Capacity development –TOT to public sector staff

• Rapid value chain assessment for potential interventions and value chain development

• Participatory market oriented extension• Results based monitoring • Gender mainstreaming • Knowledge Management (eg. Use of ICT tools)• Irrigation Technologies• Use of improved fruit/vegetable/ animal • Environmental impact assessment of livestock and

crop commodities –

Extension intervention- Training to input/ service providers

• Vaccine treatment for day old chicks by women

• Repair services for pumps

• Community management for use of water schemes

• Agri-business services

• Production material construction eg. Hives

• Community health worker

Capacity Development- Training to smallholder producers

• Production/processing technologies in livestock and irrigation agriculture

• Multiplication of fruits /vegetable seed/ seedlings

• Feed resource development (forage, grazing area mgt.)

Planned KM and Communications in LIVES

1. Agricultural Knowledge centers

2. Online platforms

3. Offline platforms – (eg. study tours/ field visits/ platforms/ exhibitions, …)

4. E- extension - use of ICTs (E-readers, videos, Cellphone,….)

5. Training, coaching, skills development

Research approach

• Multidisciplinary• Multi location and multi level • Holistic and/or Commodity specific value

chain intervention • Gender focused

Diagnostic research

RAAKS ( Rapid Appraisal of Agricultural Knowledge system)– Diagnosis of the system– Identify opportunities for intervention – Create awareness among relevant actors

about existing constraints and opportunities– Propose possible interventions

Action research– Role of KM/CD interventions in increasing

capacity and efficiency of service delivery – Access to KM/ CD interventions by male and

female experts and producers – Role and effectiveness of various tools and

approaches in awareness creation, attitude change, skill, capacity

– Role and effectiveness of networks in KM & CD

Impact research

As integral part of the project impact; case studies and summary of experiences and lessons will be documented

Thank you

www.lives-ethiopia.org