Abstract

MONSALVO ZAMORA, Areli et al. Characterization of the profile of the rural extensión worker in eastern area of Estado de México. Rev. Mex. Cienc. Agríc [online]. 2017, vol.8, n.3, pp.503-515. ISSN 2007-0934.  https://doi.org/10.29312/remexca.v8i3.27.

The research is focused on characterizing the profile of the agricultural extensionist in the eastern area of Estado de México, taking into account the performed functions, problems faced in the productive sector, training needs and competences. The great challenges of the agricultural sector demand to know the profile of the extensionist in order to strengthen their capacities as rural development actors, in charge of transmitting knowledge and technological innovations to the producers to innovate the productive processes. This research uses mixed methodology (qualitative and quantitative), applying a questionnaire to the Extensionists in the Program of Capacity Development, Technological Innovation and Rural Extensionism that serve the Eastern part of Estado de Mexico of the Secretariat of Agricultural Development, Texcoco Regional Delegation. Results obtained, show that the functions carried out by extension workers are technical assistance, technology transfer and training. There are difficulties of a political-institutional nature, but also interest in the permanent updating in different modalities.

Keywords : rural development; rural extension; professional service providers; training.