ABSTRACT
The Training and Visit (T&V) system of agricultural extension has been widely adopted over the last decade and is now being used in at least 40 countries. The chapter describes the fundamental principles of the T&V system, discusses common misinterpretations in implementing the system, and concludes by describing an example of the author's current work in extension in Burkina Faso. The fundamental principles of the T&V system include: professionalism; a single line of command; concentration of effort; time-bound work; a field and farmer orientation; regular and continuous training; and two-way linkages between extension and research. Moreover, regular training sessions are a scheduled venue for feedback between farmers and agricultural services, and for extension staff to exchange information and help them learn from each other's experience. Training and Visit activities of all staff adhere to fixed schedules to ensure the necessary field-and-farmer-orientation are adequate and appropriate during the staff training.
