TVETs as Extension Service ProvidersProf. Waswa Balunywa, Ms. Brenda Wejuli and Ms. Diana NtamuMakerere University Business School

MotivationProblem StatementObjectives of the PaperWhat is Extension service? evolution, advantagesDiscussionChallengesConclusionRecommendations

Paper Format

Motivation

Interest in concept of extension

service

As applied to agriculture and

How this has transformed

farmers’ knowledge , skills and

productivity

Problem Statement Many businesses do not live to see their

first birthdays, 80 percent of new businesses fail within the first year( Moya K. Mason, 2012)

People start businesses without proper knowledge of the industry(Deloitte, 2008)

SMEs take long to adapt to new technologies, IT knowledge and technical skills(Gable, 1991)

Businesses lack requisite new skills for the new changing environment

Objectives of the PaperTo explore the application of ES

to businessesTo explore possibilities of

improving technically oriented businesses

To enable the TVETs establish the challenges of implementing TVET knowledge and skills

What is Extension Service (ES)?Non-formal programme deployed to

induce change

Organized exchange of information

and the purposive transfer of skills

Communicative interventions

intended to develop and/or induce

innovations

Evolution Attributed to events that took place in Ireland in the

middle of the 19th century between 1845–1851 Irish potato crop was destroyed by fungal diseases and a

severe famine occurred The British Government arranged for "practical

instructors" to travel to rural areas and teach small farmers how to cultivate alternative crops.

Scheme attracted attention of Govt officials in Germany, These organized own system of traveling instructors. Idea spread to Denmark, Netherlands, Italy, and France. In UK work extended beyond the campus. By 20th C colleges in the US started conducting

demonstrations at agricultural shows and giving lectures to farmer’s clubs.

AdvantagesFacilitates empowerment and nurture

synergies involving agricultural research, agricultural education and information-providing businesses

Helps people to applying science, to the daily routines of farming, homemaking, and family and community living.

Technology TransferAdvisory work -government organizations or

private consulting companies respond to farmers enquiries with technical prescriptions

Increase in Productivity

Challenges Neglects certain categories of

agricultural producers such as womenLack of supportive structure and

expertiseLack of specialized training for trainersMay not be suited to farmers’ conditionsInadequate resources(Limited Funding)Lack of policy framework to regulate and

inform public as an alternate routeMobility problems

ProspectsGood to improve performance especially

in medium enterprise businessesIncreasing acceptance of non-formal

education by students and general publicCrucial in informing business about new

technologiesAccelerated rate of technological changeGrowing good will from Gov’t and MoENon formal education perceived to be

cheaper and affordable to less privildeged

ConclusionsThere is growing

acknowledgement regarding potential contribution

Non-formal education perceived to be future viable alternative to formal education

Desire for more information and knowledge on the increase

TVETs delivered at different levels in different types of institutions

Recommendations

Sensitize businesses

Orient the TVETs themselves

Programmes such as Skilling

Uganda should adopt extension

service model to improve

existing skills