UWA Papers on Agricultural Extension and
Adoption and Diffusion of Innovations in Agriculture
Abstract
- The Changing Relationship Between Private- and
Public-Sector Agricultural Extension in Australia
Sally P. Marsh and David J. Pannell
Agricultural and Resource Economics, The University of W.A., Nedlands, 6907
Abstract
Agricultural extension services in Australia are undergoing dramatic and rapid change. This paper is a review of the main changes in state departments of agriculture and their relationships with a rapidly growing private-sector. We identify some positive aspects of the changes which are occurring but also a number of serious concerns. In some cases, new systems introduced in the quest for efficiency seem to have introduced a new, arguably greater, set of inefficiencies. Proponents of reform, while trying to achieve economic efficiencies through creation of market-like structures in institutions, have not adequately considered market failure due to the public-good characteristics of information and due to transaction costs. We are concerned about the de-emphasis of research within the public-sector agencies, especially because of its public-good character and possible efficiencies of size. Group-based extension has grown dramatically and it appears to have advantages but also a number of important issues that need to be addressed.
Citation: Marsh, S.P. and Pannell, D.J. (1997). The changing relationship between private and public sector agricultural extension in Australia. Paper presented at the 41st Annual Conference of the Australian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society, Gold Coast, Queensland, Jan 22-24 1997.
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Adoption, diffusion and extension papers, UWA