Introduction

This chapter discusses the conviction of the editors that agricultural extension internationally could profit from new perspectives and paradigms; on-going experimentation in developing appropriate extension systems; and re-invigorated vision, leadership and innovation. Leading professionals in various specialities of agricultural development were asked to share their perspective on contemporary issues relating to this topic. The original proposition of the series was to center discussion around the ‘factors for success’ operating in one or another of the following three general areas: policy, practices and program linkages. Daniel Benor, consultant to The World Bank, outlines the principles of the ‘Training and Visit Extension’ (T&V) system, advocating a return to the basics. Benor compares and contrasts the Burkina Faso traditional agricultural extension system with the recently established T&V-derived system operating parallel to it. Michael Baxter, senior adviser on rural development in The World Bank, summarizes a number of ‘Emerging Priorities for Developing Countries in Agricultural Extension’.