Dive into a transformative Episode, featuring Prof. Kehinde Thomas, a leading Professor of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development at the University of Ibadan, as he explores "Extension Practice in the Marketplace of Development: A Fusion of Art & Science."

This episode unravels how extension practice can merge scientific innovation with creative, community-driven solutions to address Nigeria’s urgent challenges and align with global trends.

The lecture begins by demystifying the event’s theme. Prof. Thomas explains that extension involves transferring knowledge and innovations to farmers, acting as a bridge for development. The "marketplace" represents a vibrant ecosystem where stakeholders—farmers, NGOs, governments, and private sectors—exchange ideas and resources.

The "fusion of art and science" blends evidence-based tools, like digital advisories, with the art of human centered-approaches and participatory engagement. This framing sets the stage for a discourse on how extension can drive sustainable agricultural and rural economy transformation in Nigeria.

Prof. Thomas tackles the challenges of multi-disciplinary collaboration in extension, where integrating scientific and indigenous knowledge often falters. He identifies barriers like disconnects and inadequate training, which hinder improvements in agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods. He affirms indigenous knowledge and the need for its refine and scaling up and inclusion.

By highlighting these issues, he calls for innovative frameworks that respect local wisdom while leveraging research-driven solutions, resonating with Nigeria’s need for effective extension systems.

The discussion then explores the evolving development landscape, where Nigeria’s extension system faces complex challenges like climate change and competition for funds. Prof. Thomas advises on adapting to global trends, such as AI-driven advisories and carbon credit schemes, to modernize Nigeria’s outdated infrastructure and connect farmers to opportunities.

This forward-looking approach emphasizes positioning extension as a key player in a competitive, pluralistic environment.

A critical question examines the expanding role of extension workers, who now serve as facilitators beyond technical knowledge providers. Prof. Thomas debates whether this is a burden or an opportunity with diverse and increased role of the extension agent, posited that this presented unique opportunities to leverage.

He explores whether extension should remain a public good or adopt an entrepreneurial model with better compensation. He leans to private extension service and urges for innovative payment models that make easy pay for services.

Drawing from global examples, Prof. Thomas highlights the undervaluation of indigenous knowledge in extension. He discusses the implications of sidelining such knowledge—missed opportunities for sustainability—and advocates for integrating it with scientific methods to meet modern needs.

The lecture emphasizes the need for soft skills like psychology, behavioural science understanding and social marketing, in extension work. Prof. Thomas critiques linear, science-heavy approaches that fail without these “artistic” competencies, offering strategies to reposition Nigeria’s extension systems and universities to prioritize such training for lasting impact, with improved curriculum, training and retraining.

He also offer insights on how to measure success in extension intervention using the theory of change approach (with elements: activities, input output, outcome and impact) in the line with monitoring and evaluation of projects.

To maintain extension’s intent, Prof. Thomas addresses how it can avoid being diluted by external agendas, such as funding that views rural development as mere poverty alleviation.

Finally, he inspires young professionals with advice on navigating careers in this expanded vision of extension, emphasizing value creation and demand-driven service.