PRELIMINARY PROPOSAL FOR STRENGTHENING AND INCREASING COVERAGE OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICES TO SMALL FARMERS IN BOLIVIA

The purpose of this AID program is to inform small farmers about appropriate agricultural technologies. The report opens with a brief review of the history and present status of farmer extension programs in Bolivia. Next key components of AID"s proposed program are described. These include: (1) the precise identification and comprehensible formulation of a target-specific message, (2) production of effective farmer education materials, (3) design of a dependable message delivery system. Farmer feedback mechanisms, periodic evaluation activities, and a logical and coordinated overall project structure are also considered crucial to the success of the project. The report next emphasizes that the project depends on strong support from the Government of Bolivia and on a well-trained technical staff. The project area should, moreover, have an adequate agricultural infrastructure. Finally, a project planning and implementation framework is suggested. Appendices contain information on the current Bolivian farmer extension program and a report on a Guatemalan agricultural education program.