ABSTRACT


 Since 1973, the Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnologa Agrcolas,
(ICTA) in Guatemala, has developed a model fr agricultural
research that focuses in on-farm activities, farmers' participation.
and the collaborative effort of regional multidiscipinary teams.
By the early 80's this model had been the 'key mechanism in an
overall agricultural sector strategy that made Guatemala a self-
sufficient country. and even exporter, of basic grains.

 Although a successful experience, the potential impact of
this model in the national economy has been hindered by a
"limited" extension of the research results m some regions of the
county. The extension agencies, DIGESA and DIGESEPt, had
their partrigBtion restricted to credit planning and supervision
activities, and whatever effort they invested in working with
ICTA has been, in most cases, due to good relationship between
the institutions' authorities at the regional level and the own
personal interest of the extension agents i"the communities.

 A new project based in the technology transference concept,
 rather than extension educationn) will provide ICTA, DIGESA and
 DIGESEPE the framework to participate jointly in the integrative
 effort of generation and transference of appropriate technology for
 small farms in Guatemala. A "multiplying" effect in technology
 transference resulting from rural leaders (lderes agrcolas)
 working with organized farmers groups in "tranference plots"
 provides the basis for expected success. These rural leaders will
 be recruited by the project, trained along. with extension agents in
 the new technologies by ICTA's field teams, and coordinated in
 their activities at the community level by the "new" extension
 agents.