Among the various reasons for the "limited" difussion of
technology, the most important is that technology transference
programs have not been. technically and administratively, designed and
executed properly. Fhey lacked qualified personnel; adequate
functioning regulations; financing for needed equipment, inputs, and
personnel; and an efficient operational methodology to reach a
sigmficant coverage Another important reason limiting the strength of
these efforts has been that extension agents were restricted, in most
cases, to Tredit planning and supervision and not enough time to be
trained in, and communicate new technologies.

 In preparing tor a new effort in technology- transference, the
Agricultural and Food Public Sector (SPADA) of Guatemala accepted
the fact that a new "attitude" was necessary in [the design *of the
project. This new atutude consists in letting farmer participate, rather
than be educated.

 Fhat is, the extension effort to educate farmers and their families
would be substituted, for technology transference purposes, by joint
participation of farmers, extensionists, and researchers in all the phases
ot the technology innovation process.

 This paper presents a description of this new effort for a wider
diffusion of new technologies. Three institutions of SPADA prepared
and will conduct this technology transference project: ICTA, DIGESA
and the Directorate of Livestock Services (DIGESEPE). This last
institution is the extension agency for animal health and production.
The project has been recently approved to be financed by the Inter-
American Development Bank (BID Loan 473/OC/GU) and the
International Agriculture Development Fund .(FIDA Loan 154 GM)
and will begin its activities in 1986 in three regions of Guatemala. The
basic features in this transference effort are the following: