2015 Volume 33 Issue 2 Pages 94-104
In this paper, we investigate the role of public agricultural extension services that is required for the future of Tohoku agriculture and rural communities. Firstly, the public agricultural extension service is a possibility that can expand the business domain by involving local residents. Secondly, the need for cooperation among different organizations in order to deploy diverse activities was pointed out. Thirdly, it was revealed that the ability of extension officer is essential to be a total coordinator in these activities to create an environment in which people can talk about each other's future in equal footing and freedom. Therefore, in a complicated scene where interests are involved, it is important for an extension officer to be aware at all times of his public so as to keep the fairness. In particular, for local agriculture nurturing program, it is important to build close and stable connection and collaborative relationship with related institutions. This is because the direction of motivation would greatly affect the local development, Moreover, for these connections to be properly maintained within the organization, 'apprentice education system' to reemploy post-retirement experienced extension officers and educational system for younger generations were introduced.
