Extension Services in Agricultural Experiment Station

지역특화작목시험장의 기술전파활동 현황

The objectives of this study were 1) to explore the present status of extension services of agricultural experiment station, and 2) to get some implications for ameliorating extension services of agricultural experiment station. The data were collected through the semi-constructed interviews with 11 agricultural researchers in 6 local agricultural experiment stations and 11 farmers who have ever made contact with the researchers. The major findings of this study were as follows: The agricultural experiment stations were providing extension services as expedients to accommodate to new markets and structural changes of organizations, though they are originally research-oriented agencies. The extension methods of agricultural experiment stations were similar with those of extension agencies, and the extension methods used mainly were 'experiment plot demonstration exhibition', 'consultation using telephone, internet, face to face meeting', 'visiting farms and consulting'. These were generally carried out by farmer's request, therefore the extension services of agricultural experiment stations were provided in a passive way so far. Based on the results of this study, the followings are recommended for further development of extension services of agricultural experiment station: The rural development organizations should set principles and support for extension services of agricultural experiment stations. The alternative plans to strengthen the linkage between research and extension have to be made, and these plans should include financial, personnel and systematic arrangements for further development of extension services of agricultural experiment stations.