Evaluating participatory extension programs: challenges and problems

Extension in Australia, in common with other parts of the world, is increasingly including participatory and process oriented approaches. At the same time there is an increasing requirement for accountability by government and other funding agencies. The credibility and acceptance of emergent participatory extension approaches to funding bodies can be improved by appropriate evaluation. Models for evaluation of extension have developed that are well suited to 'transfer of technology'; however, these outcome-oriented evaluations are not appropriate for participatory extension approaches. Outcome focused evaluation, particularly where the focus is on predetermined, externally imposed criteria can be stifling to genuinely participatory extension approaches. While 'Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation' offers an alternative approach, the differentials between stakeholders, which are essentially differences in power, mean that this approach will not provide a complete answer. Models of evaluation which meet the requirements of funding agencies and other stakeholders need to be further developed.