Policy Paper Consultation

Toward a National Cooperative Extension ServiceRe-invigorating the Philippine Agriculture,

Fisheries, and Forestry Extension System

Presenter

Santiago R. Obien, PhD

Asia Rice Foundation

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A Rice Extension Forum held in Sept 2014 resulted in a list of recommendations to improve the ag extension system.

A series of consultations followed to fine-tune the list.

There is an urgent need for

policy reforms so as to let the

extension function be

performed with excellence in

line with the global challenges

to local economy and

especially to the agricultural

sector.

PROPOSED POLICY REFORMS

Strengthen the national apex agency

for extension

Rename ATI: Philippine Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Agency (PAFEA)

As the overall coordinator of agriculture and fisheries extension, it shall be further strengthened to provide central direction, set standards of performance of extension programs, and ensure institutionalized

financial support to the LGUs.

Focus national support to weaker LGUs

Fourth to sixth class municipalities as focus of national support to augment their capabilities

to provide extension services.

Strengthen the Provincial Agricultural

Offices (PAO) to provide coordination and

supervision of extension services

Development should be agro-ecological systems-based, making the province

as the most coherent unit to coordinate and supervise agriculture development.

Conduct regular briefings for local chief

executives on developments in agriculture.

Local executives, especially newly elected ones, must be organized for briefing sessions on latest

programs, opportunities, and technologies in agriculture as well as extension services

at the local level.

Build up dedicated and nationally-funded

SUC extension offices

Transform SUC extension offices into Continuing Extension Centers for Rural Development (CEC-RD),

provide them with catalytic finance.

Based on a set of standards, they may also be given regular funding from national appropriations

to achieve national targets for agriculture, fisheries, and forestry extension.

Improve conditions of extension workers

Extension workers shall be ensured fair salaries, security of tenure, performance-based incentives,

career devt opportunities systems, and linked to professional organizations to encourage

professionalism and protection of their rights.

Professionalize the public extension

service

CSC, PRC, CHED, SUCs and UP-OU can embark on professional development enhancement program

to continuously upgrade professionalism and competence of government field extensionists.

Develop subject matter expertise

Subject matter specialists (SMS) who have skills to translate and articulate research results

for target clients and who could be dispatchedto address timely issues in agriculture and provide

local recommendations.

Harness the strength of the private

sector

Expand partnership with private extension service providers (ESPs) to deliver public good and give practical pieces of advice that can help farmers

improve their farm business ventures.

Harness potentials of information

communication technology (ICT)

Maximize ICT initiatives of agencies (e-Extension, text center, Pinoy Rice Knowledge Bank, Rice

Doctor, RCM). DA can invest on mobile phones or tablets for use of LGU extension workers.

Conduct massive training on computer use to access research results and other

relevant extension materials and modalities.

Institutionalize the Farmers Information

and Technology Services (FITS) Center

These centers– equipped with video and internet facilities and IEC materials– shall serve as extension hubs where farmers and extension workers meet.

Adopt market-oriented approach to

extension

Extension services shall be market-driven, and shall prioritize assisting small farmers to organize

themselves and capacitate them to become agripreneurs in response to market needs.

This approach may adopt the Farm Business School Model of ATI and FAO.

Focus extension services to farm families

Since rural farming is a family enterprise, extension interventions shall focus in assisting

farm families and communities.

Consistent with R.A. 10618, farm family schools shall be an integral part of the network of rural farm schools.

Invest on the youth as future farmers

and agricultural professionals

Revive youth programs like Future Farmers of the Philippines (FFP) and 4H clubs thru DA, DepEd,

CHED, NGOs, and LGUs.

Develop a highly motivated and modern farmers.

Imbibe good values of work/labor, cooperation, fellowship and appreciation for

agriculture and nature.

Organize extension around major

farming systems

Extension shall be organized according to the country’s major farming systems plus livestock and fisheries namely: rice-based farming system, corn-

based farming system, coconut-based farming system and agro-forestry.

Farm/Fishing Families/

Communities & other

extension

clients

Rice-based

farming system

extension

Corn-based

farming system

extension

Agroforestry

extension

Livestock-based

farming system

extension

Coconut-based

farming system

extension

Fisheries-based

farming system

extension

Figure 1. Conceptual framework of the reinvigorated Philippine Agricultural

Extension System operating within the framework of cooperative extension service

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It is our hope that urgently improving

investments in extension along with the

policy reforms herein proposed will improve

the performance of the agriculture sector

and in turn will usher the country

to its desired economic progress.