Soc Trang is one of five provinces in South Vietnam where VVOB wants to improve the agricultural extension system by promoting a participatory approach. Participatory agricultural extension methodologies have resulted in improved communication and a better relationship between extension workers and farmers. Extension workers are traditionally transferring their knowledge to the farmers with little regard for what the farmer needs. Also, reporting typically happens without further consulting the farmers. The way technical leaflets are written, is an illustration of this way of working. They often contain very useful information for the farmers but not all farmers have the knowledge and understanding to access this info or to adapt it to their local circumstances.
Mrs. Nguyễn Thị Thanh Tâm, an agricultural worker of Soc Trang province, said: "It is quite time-consuming to develop a technical leaflet in cooperation with farmers. However, by using the farmers’ own words, information is more effectively disseminated and easier understood. Also, the information provided by farmers is more up to date and practical, for example with respect to availability of local materials and contacts of sellers."
To make technical leaflets in cooperation with farmers is an interesting working method, but as Mrs. Tâm indicated, it is really time-consuming to travel to the farmer clubs and meet with farmers. As a result only few documents were produced this way. However, the feedback on this participatory working approach is positive, even though it is not an easy approach for young and inexperienced extension workers. We hope that this approach can become part of the agricultural extension system for the benefit of the farmers and ultimately of society.
Nguyen Hong Le
PAEX Material Development Officer, VVOB Vietnam
