Training

The course objective is to assist knowledge transfer specialists in developing participatory client-centred approaches to providing advice, training and guidance to farmers and rural communities.

Typically, the course last 3-4 weeks and has four main themes:

• Farm business management – to help put technical advice in a commercial context
• Extension methodology – to emphasise the role of communication in bringing about change
• Operational procedures and extension programmes – to illustrate the importance of planning and of having  clear objectives and targets
• Extension systems, government policy and rural development – to examine alternative systems to the “Scottish Model” and assess extension service options for countries in economic transition

The course is run using participatory methods and includes case studies, farm visits and a one-week work placement in a SAC Farm Business Services office.