Vision and Developmental Tasks for Korea Agricultural Extension Services for the 21 st Century

21 세기 한국 농촌지도사업의 비전과 발전과제

Agricultural Extension Services in Korea have accomplished a significant role in self- sufficiency of rice, a national staple food, through green revolution in 1970's; supplying green vegetables even during the winter season through white revolution in 1980's; and establishing technical agriculture by organizing rural leaders and 4-H members. In 1990s changes were made in international situations under the Uruguay Round multilateral trade negotiations and inauguration of the World Trade Organization. This was followed by localization of the extension staffs and the functions of extension services in Korea changed dramatically from national government to local governments. Thus, a weakened national function resulted in loosening of the linkages of research and extension in central government and local extension offices. Difficulties were reported in diffusion of new agricultural technology and efficient management of extension personnel. Developmental tasks for better extension services for the 21st century in Korea would include recovering national functions of agricultural extension, and developing a new paradigm for extension service. This should include the following measures; 1) Cooperative extension service should be adapted to involve national as well as local governments and non-government organization. 2) The target groups for extension services should be expanded to include farmers, noel residents as well as urban consumers. 3) The role of the extension service should cover agricultural technological diffusion of innovations as well as managerial skills and leadership development for rural organizations. 4) Extension services should be introduced to small farmers as well as consultation services for advanced farms. Diversified approaches should be employed for mama effective services. 5) Pre-service as well as in-service education should be offered to secure better extension educators equipped with knowledge, understanding and abilities on agricultural technology, information, agricultural philosophy, instructional methods and communication skills.