Improving the Curriculum of Agricultural Extension Education Program and Modernizing Extension Systems in Bangladesh, 2019-Present Development project
Donaldson, Joseph L.
Description:Issue: The Extension System in Bangladesh is composed of the publicly-funded Department of Extension, non-governmental organizations, and a private provider (Global Forum for Rural Advisory Services). Bangladesh depends on a strong agricultural sector for prosperity, human health, and to raise the overall quality of life. The system has 14,000 local extension agents (Miah, 2015). The United States Agency for International Development has made strategic investments to enhance local capacity for effective Extension work (Huber, 2017). Great needs exist for improving the agricultural and Extension Education curriculum, and enhancing the entire Bangladesh Extension System.
Methods and Actions: Dr. Joseph Donaldson collaborated with Dr. Mohammad Golam Farouque, Professor, Department of Agricultural Extension Education and Director, Bangladesh Agricultural University Extension Centre of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) on a proposal to improve the University curriculum for Extension education and professional development for the country’s Extension agents. The proposal has been funded by the Fulbright Visiting Scholars Program, and this will allow Drs. Farouque and Donaldson to pursue collaborative Extension, research, and academic work at NC State, March to November, 2021.
Results: Improving the Curriculum of Agricultural Extension Education Program and Modernizing Extension Systems in Bangladesh has been funded. Our next steps are to collaborate virtually to prepare for Dr. Farouque's March 2021 arrical. The major outcome of this work will be to improve Extension education, modernize extension systems, and enhance community engagement, to the benefit of all Bangladeshi citizens.
Funding: Fulbright Scholar Program of the United States Department of State
Contacts: Joseph L. Donaldson, Ph.D., Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist
Region(s)/Country(s): Bangladesh
Dates:
03/01/2021 - 11/30/2021
Institutional Partner(s):
Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Bangladesh
Funding Agency(s)/Sponsor(s):
Fulbright Scholar Program
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