Within university settings, Extension is often seen as less important than academic research, despite its importance for agricultural development globally. Because of its perceived lesser status within the university, Extension requires advocacy to highlight its importance locally and internationally.
In a recently published journal article in the Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education, authors Kevan Lamm, Alexa Lamm, Kristin Davis, Catherine Sanders, and Alyssa Powell develop an instrument to measure Extension networks’ advocacy capacity, specifically in international settings. Titled the International Extension Network Advocacy Capacity (IENAC) scale, the instrument measures network support of advocacy, network integration of advocacy, network influence in advocacy, network visibility in advocacy, and network advocacy performance.
Advocacy is important for Extension, and the study presents several important implications for international Extension services. Advocacy for Extension can help increase its visibility among:
- Policymakers
- External Stakeholders, both at the university and in other sectors
- Rural residents who need increased evidence-based support for agriculture, health, and community development
The visibility of Extension for stakeholders and clientele, specifically when they see their interests represented by Extension, can enhance trust in Extension organizations internationally. Trust is crucial for Extension networks, and increasing advocacy capacity can help increase the visibility of Extension services!
Click here to read the full publication!
