Extension services should be a part of the decentralization and devolution agenda that engages local government units and grass roots organizations. This facilitates access to broader rural development financing and other rural development and fiscal transfer programmes, local government financing, and user funding. Decentralization of the administration of public funds is essential for adopting grassroots approach. Once the decision is taken to revisit the potential of extension/communication in a major thrust toward a food security initiative, then the next step is to develop a national strategy for extension and rural development information. Let the decentralized extension services be strong in terms of funding and technical competence for implementing the local food security agenda within the context of the national strategy. This responsibility mainly falls on the shoulders of elected local government officials who run decentralized units.
P. Johnson/FAO/14829
