Extension as an instrument of rural development in West Africa. Report on the first regional seminar of the GTZ/DSE in Cameroon from 21st October to 2nd November 1978
Munzinger, P.
Beratung als Instrument der landlichen Entwicklung in Westafrika Bericht uber 1 Regionalseminar der GTZ/DSE in Kamerun vom 21 Oktober bis 2 November 1978: 147
Document Number: 510476This experimental regional seminar was organized jointly by the GFR Foundation for International Development (DSE) and the Society for Technical Co-operation (GTZ) with the co-operation of the Federal Ministry of Development Co-operation (BMZ) and other GFR institutions and individuals. The aim was to improve feed-back from local staff involved in rural development projects which were being assisted by the GFR, some 38 of whom attended. The volume discusses the aims of the seminar, its organization and didactic methods which combined preparatory exchange of information, discussions on strategy with GTZ and BMZ representatives, discussion in small groups, case studies, preparation of short reports, role playing etc. The evaluation of the seminar discussions stresses various points on the flow of information between the central development agency and project staff and questions of exchange between local and central agency staff; views were put forward on development strategy and particularly on the place and problems of agricultural advisory services in rural areas. Short case studies put forward for discussion include: Background policy and administrative conditions of agricultural projects (H. Illy); Social strategies in advisory services (F. Breuer); Dissemination and diffusion of innovations (H. Zimmer); Basic principles of extension for rural development (R. Sulzer); Basic education and village development (U. Bude, M. Bergmann p.123-127) and Building a Training Institute to implement primary school reform (IPAR) in Buea, Cameroon by the same authors (p.128-130). The appendices include papers for the development policy discussion G. W. Treitz (p.69-75) and Dr. Lampe (p.76-78) and case studies on: The introduction of ox harness (F. Bremer, p.84-88); Improving small farmers' cereals storage as an advisory task in Upper Volta (H. F. Illy, p.89-91); Encouraging diversification on small farms in Benin (R. Sulzer); Training and further education of agricultural advisors in central Togos (H. Zimmer, p.117-122).