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\hypersetup{pdftitle={Towards Effective Communication between Smallholder Farmers and Village Extension Workers in the MENA Region},pdfauthor={Nagwa Hassan, Thomas Aenis},pdfsubject={Tropentag 2016: Abstract},pdfkeywords={Agricultural extension, communication, smallholder farmers},pdfpagemode=None,colorlinks=true}
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\parbox[b]{13.4cm}{\centering \large{\textbf{Tropentag, September 18-21, 2016, Vienna, Austria}}\\[1ex] \Large{``Solidarity in a competing world ---\\fair use of resources''\\[2ex]}}
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\Large{\textbf{Towards Effective Communication between Smallholder Farmers and Village Extension Workers in the MENA Region\footnote{\textbf{Contact Address:} Nagwa Hassan, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences (ADTI), Unter Den Linden 6. Sitz: Luisenstraße 53, 10099~Berlin, Germany, \mbox{e-mail}: \email{nagwa.hassan1@yahoo.com}}\\[0.8ex]}}
\normalsize{\textsc{Nagwa Hassan, Thomas Aenis}}
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\begin{itemize*}
\item[]{\small{\textit{Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences (ADTI), Germany}}}
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\index[author]{Hassan, Nagwa}
\index[author]{Aenis, Thomas}
\begin{center}
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\textbf{Abstract}
\begin{abstract}
\normalsize{

All over the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region, Extension work for agricultural and rural development at village level is lacking effectiveness due to top-down hierarchies and a lack of involvement of farmers in provision of extension. A general lack of communication between smallholder farmers (SF) and village extension workers (VEW) seems to be a crucial problem hindering success of extension. 



This case study in Menoufia Region, Egypt,was conducted in order to identify the main reasons and constraints towards effective communication from the users (SF) perspective. Furthermore, suggestions to improve the communication between SF and VEW are deduced. Data was gathered using a questionnaire as a starting point for more in-depth questions. 142 SF in two districts were interviewed by the author who originates herself from an Egyptian smallholder family.



Results showthat nearly half of the farmers complained about non availability of the VEW, one-third didn't know a VEW at all. Information of VEWs is valued generally as insufficient. Regarding extension messages and channels, the majority of respondents stated that they do not play any role in increasing production or solving other problems. Farmers do not even know how to get the extension message. Education level, farm size, participation in extension activities, size of responsibility of respondents and communication with VEW are closely correlated. 



Effective communication at village level requires, not surprisingly, first and foremost an increased number of VEWs which receive better qualification, \textit{i.e.} continuous and ongoing provision of training. A focus may be laid on methodology - such as monitoring and evaluation of the extension process and its results - and knowledge exchange between VEW and SF. VEWs need to be able and motivated to set up dialogues with smallholder farmers using individual and group methods, especially field visits; to build social relationship and mutual trust and, to jointly analyse and understand farmer's needs, problems, and livelihoods. A positive attitude is of utmost importance: VEWs should define their own role positively: to help farmers to improve their livelihoods.







}

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\noindent \textbf{Keywords:} Agricultural extension, communication, smallholder farmers
\index[key]{Agricultural!extension}
\index[key]{Extension}
\index[key]{Communication}
\index[key]{Smallholder!farmers}
\end{document}
