POWER, INTERESTS AND THE EXTENSION OF SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

Extension theory has moved towards conceptualizations which illuminate the power relationships inherent in extension practice. Consideration of power relationships raises questions about the interests of the pa rties involved and problems inherent in their conceptualization. Exten sion theory has not yet tackled these problems, leaving the 'farmer fi rst' and 'beyond farmer first' approaches as well as earlier top-down models inadequate. This paper discusses the relationship between conce pts of power and interests before raising some problems implied by int erests. While interests are seen as essentially contestable and their assessment. is seen as cultural construction, their analysis can be ba sed on a pragmatic approach to human needs. A model which sees extensi on as a power relationship steers it towards outcomes which emphasize the enactment of power relations rather than behavioural objectives. T he objective for extension becomes creation of a pluralistic arena in which the assessment of interests of all parties is challengeable and is challenged by all others.