190 likes | 280 Views
Domestic Impacts resulting from the International Extension Projects. Nick T. Place, Ph.D. Department of Agricultural Education & Communication University of Florida. USDA-CSREES Polish-American Extension Project (PAEP)
E N D
Domestic Impacts resulting from the International Extension Projects Nick T. Place, Ph.D. Department of Agricultural Education & Communication University of Florida
USDA-CSREES Polish-American Extension Project (PAEP) • University of Florida/IFAS Internationalizing Extension Training Project (IETP) International Extension Projects
Overseas Technical Assistance Project. • Sponsored by USDA with Poland’s MAFE • 1989-1995 • Extension specialists and agents. • 70 individuals from 26 states • 6-month terms • Worked with Provincial level ODR staff. • Extension methodologies • Farm management, farm economics, agricultural technologies, etc. Background of the Polish-American Extension Project (PAEP)
Program designed to increase knowledge of internationalizing extension and international opportunities • Sponsored by USDA-CSREES, UF/IFAS Extension and the UF College of Ag. & Life Sciences • Extension agents, County Commissioners, Graduate students and Extension specialist • Four part program • Two 3-day introductory sessions, A 10-day international experience, A 2-day reflective session Background of the Internationalizing Extension Training Project (IETP)
Questionnaire to all PAEP participants. • 96% return of 70 participants • Random on-site state visits with participants and near-associates. • 8 of the 26 states • Telephone interviews with PAEP secondary contacts. • 28 completed interviews with community representatives PAEP Data Gathering Process
Pre-test/Post-test • Used to assess experiences, knowledge, understanding and aspirations • Impact questionnaire • Used to assess change, results and impact IETP Data Gathering Process
Data Analysis • Quantitative data • Basic statistical analysis • Qualitative data • Content analysis • Organizing data into patterns and categories utilizing logic comparison for common themes
Primary Level Impact and Effects Participants
Increased international knowledge, awareness and understanding. • Skill development, reinvigoration and higher self-esteem. • International integration into subsequent extension programming. • 46% noted extensive levels • International impact and involvement among near associates. PAEP Participation Findings among Participants
PAEP Output and Visibility with Others Upon Return to the US %
IETP Output and Visibility with Others Upon Return to the US
Greater self-perception • Greater commitment for Extension and grassroots programming • Keener awareness of culture and working with diverse people • Greater international perspective • International connections Benefit and Impact upon Participants
Second Level Impact and Effects Coworkers and Colleagues Clientele
Substantiated participants’ self-observations and change in participants. • Domestic value to technical assistance. • Implications of international technical assistance. PAEP on-site interview findings
Unanimous opinions of “Very Positive” and “Very Important” from their secondary interactions. • Interviewee comments: • Provides new perspectives • Rejuvenates thought processes • Creates awareness • Gives confidence to meet other cultures • Brings cultures together • Benefits both sides Results from PAEP Telephone Interviews
Satisfaction from helping people. • Learned about cultures, people & history. • Broadened world views & competencies. • Expanded insights about interactions of environments & people’s behavior. • Created appreciation for differences. • Increased knowledge of international markets, business transactions, and difficulties of labor and product supplies. What Telephone Interviewees Learned or Gained
Domestic benefit and impact resulted. • Awareness, knowledge, understanding, new connections, international dimension. • Encouraged involvement among others. • During and after the assignment. • Created opportunities for others. • Included: study tours, exchanges, hosting, linkages, business endeavors, trade. So, what were the main domestic effects of the PAEP & the IETP?
Numerous International opportunities for extension. • Knowledge, awareness, and understanding to attain a better globally informed public. • Focus on Mutual Benefit • Cooperative Assistance versus Technical Assistance. • What will be the benefit & impact of Extension’s international involvement? Summary