Introduction
Extension workers are professionals who act as a bridge between knowledge sources and the community, especially in rural areas. They are mainly involved in fields like agriculture, health, education, and social development. Extension workers are considered peripheral information professionals because they gather, translate, and spread useful information to people who may not have easy access to libraries or digital resources.
Who Are Extension Workers?
Extension workers are field-level agents employed by government departments, NGOs, or other development agencies. Their main role is to promote awareness, teach new techniques, and encourage adoption of improved practices in their areas of work.
How Extension Workers Act as Sources of Information
1. Transfer of Scientific Knowledge
In agriculture, extension workers teach farmers about new seeds, pest control, crop rotation, irrigation, and use of technology. This knowledge often comes from research institutions and universities.
2. Awareness Building
They help educate rural communities about health practices, government schemes, legal rights, education programs, and environmental issues. This enables people to make informed decisions.
3. Use of Local Language and Simple Tools
Extension workers present information in local languages using charts, posters, videos, street plays, or one-on-one counseling. This ensures that even illiterate or semi-literate people understand the messages clearly.
4. Two-Way Communication
They also carry back feedback from the community to researchers and policymakers. This two-way flow improves the relevance of programs and services.
Examples of Extension Workers
- Agricultural officers educating farmers on organic farming
- Health workers spreading awareness on vaccination or hygiene
- Social workers guiding women on self-help groups or legal aid
Conclusion
Extension workers are vital information sources, especially in areas where formal information systems like libraries are limited. Their close connection with communities and their ability to explain complex ideas in simple ways make them effective communicators and educators. Their role is crucial in bridging the information gap in developing societies.