0 Models of Extension Work











 THREE MODES OF COMMUNICATION

 An Illustration
 An extension worker was holding a field day for farmers on the
 subject of early harvesting of maize. The location Chief had agreed
 to attend, and he began the proceedings by outlining the main
 objectives of the On-Farm Grain Storage Project. He stressed the
 national importance of reducing post-harvest losses.
 When the Chief had concluded his speech, the extension worker
 asked the farmers about the losses they themselves were experienc-
 ing. He encouraged them to talk about the reasons for such losses.
 After a short time he was able to summarize by replaying to them
 the list they had themselves produced: birds, weevils, other insects,
 rats and moulds.
 But, listening to their comments, he had picked up that the farmers
 seemed unaware of the seriousness of the losses. So he decided to
 conduct a little experiment. He had brought with him samples of
 healthy and contaminated maize. He got a few of the farmers to
 compare the volumes, where the difference was not all that great.
 He then asked the farmers to weigh the same samples. Their
 surprise at the difference was dramatic.
 From this brief illustration we can derive certain basic points
 about communication in educational situations.
 Any episode of extension training will have three key elements: