National Workshop on Extension Research Linkages
November 1-2, 2005

Effective linkages among stakeholders in the agricultural sector are necessary to bring about greater productivity and better livelihoods of rural people. The linkages between extension, research and farmers are especially important. This was the subject of the workshop jointly organised by the National Agricultural and Forestry Extension Service (NAFES) and NAFRI, between November 1-2, 2005.

The workshop was opened by the honourable Vice-Minister, Dr. Ty Phommasack, and the sessions were chaired by the Directors General of NAFRI and NAFES. The 120 participants included Heads of Divisions within NAFES, NAFRI and other Departments of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests, Heads of all 18 Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Offices (PAFOs) and Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Extension Centres (PAFECs), as well as representatives of various projects, donor agencies and NGOs.

The purpose of the workshop was to explore opportunities for greater and more effective interaction among stakeholders in the agriculture sector. The programme started with an overview of international experiences on extension, research, and farmer linkages, followed by six presentations on successful cases of collaboration from Laos. The second day was dedicated to work in eight groups to elaborate concrete plans for collaboration between research, extension and farmers in priority areas.

In his closing speech, the Vice Minister concurred with the major proposals made during the workshop, particularly the emphasis to be placed on human resource development in the agriculture sector. He also expressed the view that good collaboration between research, extension and farmers, with the additional involvement of private enterprises, will result in true benefits for
the Lao rural people.Synthesis of outputs from the workshop

Improvements in collaboration between research, extension, farmers and other stakeholders is a precondition for effective service delivery at the village level that will lead to greater productivity and better livelihoods. To achieve this, the following steps are proposed:
• Firstly, ensure that mandates, functions and job descriptions are clearly defined and put into practice. For example, staff at the Provincial level need a better understanding of their role in setting priorities for research and extension, and in coordinating development projects.
• Secondly, develop and disseminate practical procedures, methods and materials. For example, processes and tools should be made widely available in support of participatory planning and M&E at village and District level, as well to support farmer-led experimentation and adaptation of innovations to local conditions and the needs of the poor.
• Thirdly, establish jointly managed information systems. For example, at the central level a working group on information management should be created with representation of both NAFRI and NAFES. The working group should aim to make technical information and practical experience more accessible to Provincial and District staff, and create channels for feedback.
• Fourthly, undertake extensive human resource development. For example, District staff should get basic training and coaching for their new role as Farming System Extension Workers (FSEW).
Training of trainers is urgently needed, and educational institutions should assess future requirements of the sector.
• Fifthly, test new strategies for input supply. For example, farmers and the private sector can fill gaps in capacity for seed multiplication and animal breeding. This will allow research and extension to focus on other roles, such as technology development, education and quality control

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