A national extension and advisory service has to find ways to priorititise needs and do this in a sustainable and cost effective manner. To develop policy which is practical and implementable and which recognises resource constraints will require us to think carefully about what has happened to government funded extension and advisory services in South Africa and internationally. This will form our initial focus.

Our team has begun working on two reports to help contextualise the policy development process:

• A rapid review of extension and advisory services in the agriculture, forestry and fisheries sectors. Much work has already been done. Our task is to draw the threads together to develop a shared understanding of the state of South African extension. 
  
• Key shifts in international extension thinking and modes of delivery.
  

These reports will be available online in August and will provide a starting point for research led dialogue and the generation of policy options. Phuhlisani recognises that there is enormous expertise in South Africa and the region. We aim to draw on this through online discussions and face to face interactions in the provinces.

Click on the link below to access a flyer providing more information on the process