Aim

AREU also seeks to ensure that there is a rapid transfer of new knowledge gained from strategic studies into relevant production systems for the benefit of growers, consumers and the environment.  This service is delivered through the Extension and Training Department in a multidisciplinary and participative manner under the following divisions:

-        Crop Extension

-        Livestock Extension

-        Training, Information, Women and Youth

 

Approach/ Methodology

The AREU Extension and Training Work Programme is addressed in a multi-disciplinary, and participative manner.  AREU regularly updates the resource profile study of the agricultural sector and its clients and is therefore conversant with the agronomic constraints and other needs of the farming community.  Research and extension linkage within the AREU helps to address farmers problems in an integrated approach through on-farm trials and demonstrations conducive to higher rates of adoption.

Regular consultations with our clients through the Farmers Liaison Meetings, Technology Review Meetings helps to identify problems faced by our clients, prioritise them and eventually address them by setting the research and extension agenda and the annual work programme.

The work programme is eventually vetted by the clients, Research findings and extension output are reviewed at Technology Review Meetings / Worshops for programme review.

Our extension system operates through technological change as the key to increase farm productivity, and relies on demonstration (seeing is believing) as an effective tool to ensure the adoption of new technologies.

Centres originally called Permanent District Demonstration Plots were set up in the late 1950’s and operated within the Extension Services of the Ministry of Agriculture to offer a closer and better extension support to the farming community. They were later renamed Demonstration Centres. At first DC activities were restricted to the crop sector but were subsequently extended to the livestock sector, including the veterinary services. Since 1995, these centres also host AREU's headquarters for three extension regions (North, East and South).

There are presently four Demonstration Centres

• Rivière des Anguilles DC
• Mapou DC
• Flacq DC
• Plaisance DC

AREU also seeks to ensure that there is a rapid transfer of new knowledge gained from strategic studies into relevant production systems for the benefit of growers, consumers and the environment.  This service is delivered through the Extension and Training Department in a multidisciplinary and participative manner under the following divisions:   -        Crop Extension -        Livestock Extension -        Training, Information, Women and Youth

Crop Extension The Crop Extension Division provides an island-wide coverage in advisory services and support to the vegetable, fruit and ornamental growers with a focus on quality, safety and economic aspects.  The aim is to enable growers to improve productivity levels through training and technical support and improve entrepreneurial activities in agri-business. The Division is under the responsibility of 1 Principal Extension Officer, 4 Senior Extension Officers, 16 Extension Officers and 16 Extension Assistants. Livestock Extension The Livestock Extension Division provides services to operators in the livestock sector to improve livestock production and productivity through training, technical support and facilitating access to production inputs.  It also assists in the implementation of livestock projects and schemes put in place by the government.  The aim is to improve the self sufficiency status of livestock products through agri-business opportunities. The Division is under the responsibility of 1 Principal Extension Officer, 2 Senior Extension Officers, 6 Extension Officers and 4 Extension Assistants. Training Division The Training Division provides its services to crop and livestock farmers, and technical support to youth and women.  It also maintains the capacity building programme of Research and Extension personnel of the institution, both locally and abroad.  The division is comprised of 3 units namely, the Training Unit, the Information Unit and the Women and Youth Unit. The Division is under the responsibility of 1 Principal Extension Officer, 3 Senior Extension Officers, 7 Extension Officers and 2 Extension Assistants.

 

EXTENSION