Meaning The word extension programme is made up of two words When used separately they have different meanings.
The word “programme” refers to
Thus, it can be defined as a “Programme” is the total educational job being done in a particular setting. It is a prospect or a statement issued to promote understanding and interest in an enterprise.
“Extension” refers to stretching out or extending knowledge to the rural people. When the word ‘extension’ is preceded by the word programme it takes on several added implications which needs to be studied together. In this sense, it is not merely a list of activities or a calendar of work to be performed. Hence, this can be better understood by studying some of the definitions of extension programme, given by prominent extension educators.
“An extension programme is a statement of situation, objectives, problems and solutions” (Kelsey and Hearne, 1949).
“An extension programme is a set of clearly defined, consciously conceived objectives or ends, derived from an adequate analysis of the situation, which are to be achieved through extension teaching activity (Leagans, 1961).
USDA(1956)
“An extension programme is arrived at co-operatively by the local people and the extension staff and includes a statement of:
the situation in which the people are located.
the problems that are a part of the local situation.
the objectives and goals of the local people in relation to these problems
the recommendations or solutions to reach these objectives on a long-time basis (may be several years) or on a short time basis (may be one year or less)
“An extension programme is the sum total of all the activities and undertakings of a county extension services” (Lawrence, 1962). It includes:
Participants