Publication

Over the past fifteen years, African countries have significantly improved management and organization of agricultural extension services. Nevertheless, challenges remain. Local farmers must be given greater control over the types of services and technical information they receive from extension agents, and be given greater voice in the management of agricultural extension services. These are best achieved by using participatory approaches.

This manual is intended to help practitioners at all levels to work efficiently and professionally with villagers as they assess their needs and undertake their development activities. The manual comprises three parts. Part one presents the objectives and general principles of the participatory approach, and provides details on the steps and tools appropriate to each stage of the process. Part two describes the underlying conditions necessary for implementation, including the roles of various actors, training and other support needs. Part three describes the conditions necessary for successful implementation and the implications of using this approach.

The manual is the result of a collaboration between six country teams of research and extension staff (in Mali, Guinea, Côte d'Ivoire, Benin, Burkina Faso and Madagascar), KIT and the World Bank.