Towards professionalism in agricultural extension : the professional registration of extensionists in South Africa - a dream or a reality? The role of the South African Society of Agricultural Extension (SASAE)

Abstract

More and more organizations / institutions delivering a service to clients call their service a "professional" service executed by "professionals". The concepts profession, professional and professionalism are being described as well as the role that the South African Society for Agricultural Extension (SASAE) has played to ensure that Agricultural Extension is recognized as a profession. A brief description is given of the Extension and Advisory service in Canada regulated by the Agrologist Act, 1994. The analysis of five professions in South Africa and the process of registration indicated the following: Four of the professions are regulated by an Act, a Council and a Code of Conduct. Only one Profession namely the Association of Veterinary and Crop Associations of South Africa operates under an Operational Code of Conduct and is not regulated by an Act. Two of the Professions have included a program of Professional Development (CPD) for their members, to ensure that they retain and continuously develop their skills and knowledge. Extensionists in SA can currently only register (by own choice) with the South African Council for Natural Science Professions (SACNASP) and although more than 3000 extensionists are currently providing an extension and advisory service to farmers, only 11% individuals have registered with SACNASP as agriculturists. SACNASP do not give any recognition to the science and training in Agricultural Extension. It is recommended that SASAE should, as a matter of urgency, negotiate with SACNASP, to ensure recognition of Agricultural Extension as a profession with unique characteristics and specialized extension education and training.