dare and the extension and advisory activities abstract b.rajkomar（敢和文摘b.rajkomar扩展和咨询活动）.pdfVIP

DARE AND THE EXTENSION AND ADVISORY ACTIVITIES B.Rajkomar Assistant Director (Extension Training), DARE ABSTRACT In the context of increasing international competition and changes within the country, DARE‘s extension and advisory services will have to respond effectively to the need of its clients by providing appropriate technology and training with client/farmer welfare as the guiding philosophy. Linkages will have to be developed with research, and all other partners in the agricultural development process. A Resource Profile Study will be carried out and a capacity building programme implemented to enhance technical support for an efficient and effective service to the community. THE INTERNATIONAL CONTEXT With the advent of trade liberalisation and the removal of many protective trade barriers, Mauritius will operate and carry out its economic and export-based activities in a very competitive and agressive environment. We have a number of handicaps including the following: 1. the island is small, and agricultural land is almost fully used. 2. the population is small, therefore the internal market is small. 3. our main export markets are far away. However, we do have a number of strategic advantages also, some of which are: 1. the state has a vast expanse of sea territory (as yet untapped?). 2. internal stability (political and social). 3. the will to face the challenge. 4. experience in agricultural production and export. Though there is a lot of uncertainty ahead, there is also a lot of optimism and opportunities. THE LOCAL CONTEXT Agriculture is still dominated by the sugar industry but there has been an important agricultural diversification effort. There is now an urgent need to reinforce diversificati