Agricultural extension: Global status and performance in selected countries

A gricultural transformation and development are critical to the livelihoods of more than a billion small-scale farmers and other rural people in developing countries. Challenges such as low productivity, persistent food insecurity and malnutrition, food price crises, natural resource depletion, changing and uncertain markets, environmental degradation, and climate change directly impact and are impacted by agriculture and rural development. Agricultural extension and advisory services can help in addressing these challenges by assisting farmers with advice and information, brokering and facilitating innovations and relationships, and dealing with risks and disasters.