Effective methods of disseminating new technology considering the viewpoint of farmers

THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION has been on the forefront of generation and transfer of modern agricultural technologies. However, much still needs to be done to promote better and more effective methods of technology transfer, in order to achieve increased output and higher incomes for small-scale farmers. Technology does not stand alone, but encompasses political, social, economic, and cultural factors that can impede the diffusion or transfer of technology. One of the major concerns in the transfer process is how to effectively disseminate new technology considering the viewpoint of farmers, particularly in addressing the questions of where, how, and what technologies are appropriate and available to them. While many farmers know the nature of their problems in the field, research and extension workers' absence of knowledge of their socio-economic conditions stop them from adopting technologies and pursuing technological solutions to their problems