Articles
The “ASK ME” framework as an innovation for teaching agricultural extension
Article number
1126_10
Pages
81 – 88
Language
English
Abstract
For nearly four decades the University of California, Davis, International Programs Office has worked with global partners to build the agricultural capacity of countries in terms of research, extension, and education.
With a focus on extension in lesser developed countries, we have developed an innovative framework for teaching extension professionals how to effectively encourage adoption of much-needed knowledge by smallholder farmers.
The “ASK ME” framework uses 5 key steps; each of which is represented by one letter in the title of the framework, namely: 1. Audience and Needs: Who are they? What do they need and want? 2. Solutions: What is practical and relevant to meet their needs? 3. Key Message: What do people need to know to make a change? 4. Message Form and Delivery: How can the message best be packaged and delivered? 5. Evaluation: How can each step be improved? This training model has already been adopted in a variety of contexts ranging from US civil servants in Afghanistan to Peace Corps agricultural volunteers.
While the teaching of this model is made up of a variety of tools and techniques, the success of the model relies on following its own tenants, including effective communication via a “Key Message”. By boiling the potentially complex and interdisciplinary topic of Agricultural Extension into five key components, this model is memorable and easily learned by a wide variety of audiences.
With a focus on extension in lesser developed countries, we have developed an innovative framework for teaching extension professionals how to effectively encourage adoption of much-needed knowledge by smallholder farmers.
The “ASK ME” framework uses 5 key steps; each of which is represented by one letter in the title of the framework, namely: 1. Audience and Needs: Who are they? What do they need and want? 2. Solutions: What is practical and relevant to meet their needs? 3. Key Message: What do people need to know to make a change? 4. Message Form and Delivery: How can the message best be packaged and delivered? 5. Evaluation: How can each step be improved? This training model has already been adopted in a variety of contexts ranging from US civil servants in Afghanistan to Peace Corps agricultural volunteers.
While the teaching of this model is made up of a variety of tools and techniques, the success of the model relies on following its own tenants, including effective communication via a “Key Message”. By boiling the potentially complex and interdisciplinary topic of Agricultural Extension into five key components, this model is memorable and easily learned by a wide variety of audiences.
Authors
M.A. Bell, E.E. Peach-Fine, M.P. Santibanez
Keywords
farmers, technology transfer, training, agriculture
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