Principles, realities and challenges regarding institutional linkages for participatory extension and rural development in South Africa

Abstract

This paper makes a strong case for the necessity of community linkage structures where participatory development with the ultimate object of community empowerment, self-sufficiency and self-dependency is pursued. Important principles regarding the nature of such structures were identified by participatory methods and the degree to which they are acceptable or supported were assessed in a countrywide survey involving about one-third of all public service extension workers. The survey found wide scale support for the need of the proposed structures as well as for the identified principles. These include a clear differentiation between the coordinating and operational functions, and a coordination of development activities as close to the grassroots communities as possible. For coordinated and integrated development a ladder of linkage structures, extending from the local community up to district and provincial levels, is recommended and it is important that partnerships be maintained and not undermined through amalgamation.

Keywords: principles, realities, challenges, linkages, extension,
participatory

South African Journal of Agricultural Extension Vol. 34(2) 2005: 188-200