Cattle extension programs and research for tropical agriculture

Abstract

Successful Extension programs must be useful and practical in order for participants to gain information that can be readily adopted. Seaman Knapp, one of Extension’s most influential pioneers in the USA stated, “What a man hears, he may doubt. What he sees, he may possibly doubt. But what he does himself, he cannot doubt (Seevers et al., 1997).”
Indonesian agriculture has come a long way over the past decade. However, subsistence agriculture is still prevalent and there is much that can be done to increase productivity and economic viability. The challenge is to develop extension programs that are timely and relevant. Cooperation from all sides of agriculture will make this possible. This would include collaboration with private industry, federal and provincial government’s right down to the grass roots producers themselves. There must be a commitment particularly from the government agencies to devote the resources necessary to develop programs and be a presence in the rural areas of Indonesia.