Privatising agricultural extension: caveat emptor

Improvement in agricultural systems requires good information and sound advice. This has often been provided to farmers through public extension systems. The paper describes some of the forces that require a reduced role for the public sector in agricultural extension and greater reliance on the private sector. Some experiences of privatisation and commercialisation of extension, as well as the caveats these suggest, are highlighted. A role for the state in agricultural extension will continue to be important in many countries for both economic and social reasons. Where forms of privatisation are useful, this will require tested strategies that are situation specific, multi-dimensional, gradual and flexible if resource-poorer farmers are to benefit.