Bridging the Gaps: Strengthening Extension Capacity and Capability

In this episode, we explore a pivotal research project that examines the current capacity and future needs of agricultural extension practitioners in Australia.

Hosted by a panel of experts—John James, Jeff Coutts, and Denise Bewsell—this episode shares valuable insights into the critical role of extension in supporting farmers and driving innovation.

Listen to the John, Jeff and Denise discuss the definition and importance of agricultural extension, challenges like fragmentation and resource scarcity and research insights from surveys, interviews, and Bayesian modelling.

This episode highlights the need for a strategic and long-term approach to strengthen Australia's agricultural extension system to enable adoption on farm, in production systems and across communities.

Further Resources

Australian extension capacity and capability A map and a gap analysis
Undertaken in partnership with the broader RDC network, this report surveyed 400 current extension people, mapping their capacity (time and resources) alongside their capability (skills, expertise and knowledge).

This work aims to ensure there is adequate extension capacity and capability available to support Australian agriculture into the future.