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asset redistribution. For all these reasons, extension systems are

politically attractive, and will continue to receive broad support, even

if they do not do not deliver on all these promises.

 This optimistic view of extension is based on a body of literature

which presumes that all (or at least most) of the innovations suggested

to a farmer are in his interest, and that the obstacles to diffusion of these

innovations are in the farmer's ignorance or psychology or in the mode of

communication.l From this presumption comes the hope that improving the mode

of communication can strongly influence the rate of adoption.

 While this paper acknowledges the importance of the communication

process per se, it places more emphasis on the structural context through

which the innovations are selected and communicated. This means that the

paper emphasizes the mechanisms of control over the extension system, and

treats as an empirical issue the question of whose interests are actually

served by a proposed innovation. It is hoped that by calling attention

to the wide range of economic, political, sociological and technical

factors which influence the functioning and results of an extension program,

this paper will prove relevant in efforts to develop or modify extension

programs to better serve small farmers and rural poor.

 The first section of this paper examines some definitional

problems with the concept of extension and reviews some of the historical

background. The second part explores methodological problems in making

clear-cut assessments of extension activities. The third section indicates

why extension programs do not always help the rural poor. The fourth section


 Everett Rogers, with F. Floyd Shoemaker, Communication of
 Innovations (New York: The Free Press, 1971); J. Paul Leagans, "Extension
 Education and Modernization," in J. Paul Leagans and Charles P. Loomis, eds.,
 Behavioral Change in Agriculture (Ithaca: Cornell University Press, 1971),
 pp. 101-147; A.T. Mosher, An Introduction to Agricultural Extension. (New
York: Agricultural Development Council, 1978).