Farmer rationality and the adoption of environmentally sound practices; A critique of the assumptions of traditional agricultural extension

Traditional extension has been a top down process: scientists developed products and methods which, following promulgation by extension agencies, farmers were expected to adopt. Extension agents considered farmers who failed to adopt new techniques to be recalcitrant and irrational. Farmers' attitudes and their lack of knowledge were considered to be the main barriers to adoption. Little consideration was given to farmers' points of view. The idea that resistance or reluctance to change might have some logical basis was never considered. Recent analysis reveals that most ‘barriers’ have a rational basis and can be categorised as: conflicting information; risk; implementation costs and capital outlay; intellectual outlay; loss of flexibility; complexity; and incompatibility with other aspects of farm management and farm and personal objectives. Social and perceptional issues also affect adoption. This paper examines the conceptual concerns about the efficacy of traditional extension practices and highlights farmer considerations regarding the adoption of environmentally sound practices.