Factors contributing to rural extension agents’ support for a transfer of technology (ToT) approach: a multiple linear regression analysis

Abstract

Purpose: This article aims at identifying the individual factors and socio-demographic variables contributing to extension agents’ support for a ToT extension approach. Design/Methodology/Approach: A multiple linear regression analysis was conducted using samples of extension agents from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Nigeria. Findings: The main factors explaining the support to a ToT extension approach are: the tendency to blame farmers, understanding extension as a participatory process of dialogue and inter-institutional coordination, prioritizing the modernization of farmers’ production, and supporting conventional modern agriculture. The main factors reducing the support for a ToT approach are having a self-critical attitude, prioritizing the creation and strengthening of farmer organizations, having a university degree, and being an experienced extension agent. Practical Implications: The results are useful for institutions interested in changing the profile of their extension personnel and in moving away from a ToT extension approach. Theoretical Implications: Extension agents supporting a ToT approach assume that they know what is best for farmers without really acknowledging them as experienced individuals with self-determination and rationale of their own. The development of a self-critical attitude, resulting from field experience and reflection on practice seems to play a key role in questioning the assumptions of the ToT extension approach. Originality/Value: This is the first study to analyze the factors contributing to extension agents’ support for a ToT approach conducted using a multiple linear regression.