Public and private agricultural extension: beyond traditional frontiers, Parts 63-236

Book by Umali-Deininger, Dina, Schwartz, Lisa A. World Bank Discussion Paper 236. Agricultural support services play an important role in increasing agricultural productivity. Given the importance of agriculture to developing countries, governments have taken the lead in providing such services. This study examines the roles of the public and private sectors in the delivery of agricultural support services. It analyzes how the evolving structure of the agricultural sector has led to increased specialization of farm technology and information needs. These results subsequently created opportunities for privatization of agricultural extension services. The authors develop a framework for defining the most economically efficient channel for delivering agricultural extension services and the rational roles for the public and private sector