Abstract

RENDON MEDEL, Roberto; ROLDAN SUAREZ, Elizabeth; HERNANDEZ HERNANDEZ, Belén  and  CADENA INIGUEZ, Pedro. Rural extension processes in Mexico. Rev. Mex. Cienc. Agríc [online]. 2015, vol.6, n.1, pp.151-161. ISSN 2007-0934.

Rural extension is a process of work and accompaniment with the producer aimed to sustainable development of their skills. In Mexico, a series of extension models have been adapted, that goes from the US, implemented in the early 1980’s, to the hub model or innovation node (platform - demonstration module - extension area) applied since 2010 under the MasAgro Program. The aim of this paper is to analyze the various processes of extension in Mexico. Questioning whether in Mexico has been developed an integration scheme between the components of research, production and demonstration related to rural extension or simply has been offered a series of professional services in a disjointed manner. It is concluded that the extension in Mexico shows discontinuity in operation and focus on the search for productivity, and not improvement in the quality of life of the rural population neither in the sustainability of production systems. The main restriction was found in the use of demonstrative component in the extension processes.

Keywords : change agent; coverage; rural innovation; rural training; technical assistance.