Monitoring in extensions: From principles to practical implementation

Abstract

Against the background assumption that effective monitoring, currently seriously
lacking in most countries, can significantly contribute towards improvement of
current and future extension, this paper explores different indicators as possible
monitoring criteria. This is done by identifying important conditions and then
assessing different indicators as potential criteria. Intervening variables, and more
specifically certain needs and perceptions, are proposed as most appropriate criteria
for this purpose, primarily because of empirical evidence regarding their predictive
value of adoption behaviour. In conclusion the suggested implementation process is
outlined.

Keywords: Monitoring, principles, practical implementation, evaluation.

South African Journal of Agricultural Extension Vol. 36 (1) 2007: pp. 78-93