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Archives
January 16-31, 2001
Strengthen
extension linkage, improve quality of governance: SSAC
by Mary Charlotte O. Fresco
 "Strengthen
the extension linkages and the quality of governance
at the pilot level." Thus, recommended by Dr. Fernardo
Bernardo, chairperson of the Senior Scientists Advisory
Committee (SSAC) after the Pinoy Farmer Business Development
Program was presented in a meeting held recently at
the BAR-ATI Conference Room in Quezon City.
BAR Director Eliseo Ponce, Winrock International
Country Director Inocencio Bolo, DA Assistant Secretary
for Field Operations Services Edmund Sana, Dr. Cristina
David of the Philippine Institute for Development Studies
(PIDS), Dr. Tito Contado of UP Los Baños and
BAR-Project Development Unit staff, attended the meeting.
The recommendation was in connection to
one of the project’s major operational components,
which involve participatory R&D approach among extension
agents and farmers as key players in the decision-making
processes to make the project more productive and profitable.
This was found crucial since the project intends to
develop market-driven agricultural enterprises and farm
innovations, which require the direct involvement of
the Local Government Units (LGUs) and rural-based organizations
(RBOs). This principle of partnership will ensure sharing
of market and agricultural information among the project
stakeholders.
"The role of the extension workers
is to ensure that farmers know where to access information
such as prices of agricultural commodities, prices of
production inputs, technological advancement in production,
post-harvest handling, etc.," Mr. Bolo elaborated
while presenting the project.
On the other hand, Dr. Bernardo reiterated
that the strengthening of the capacities of extension
agents, LGUs, RBOs should be on top of the priorities
for them to be globally competitive. He then proposed
that the project might consider the involvement of private
corporations for business planning especially those
that target the international market.
Meanwhile, Dr. David suggested the distinction
of the role of extension in the context of governance
focusing on improving the market efficiency and other
market transactions. This according to her is achievable
since the government has been investing in infrastructure
development.
Several points were also raised by the
attendees regarding the feasibility of multiplying this
project for the program to have a national impact.
The Pinoy Farmer Business Development
Project, a BAR and Winrock International (WI) joint
undertaking is designed to increase the productivity
and income of disadvantaged Pinoy farmers by helping
them develop their own business enterprise through market-driven
support services and information technology.
Other interrelated components of the project
include, knowledge portal for extension workers and
farmers; integrated information and communication delivery
system; marketing support and training. 
January 16-31 2001 Articles: ::
Asian
Corn BIOTECH links BAR and CIMMYT
::
Strengthen
extension linkage, improve quality of governance: SSAC
::
NTLs
to conduct 1st quarter meeting for 2001
::: More January 2001 articles :::
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