Vivien Diesel

Privatização dos serviços de extensão rural: uma discussão (des)necessária?

The article analyzes and discusses the privatization of the rural extension services according to international literature. To start with, the subject is set in the horizon of the debate of the so called State Reform, which determined the agenda for the development since the 1980’s. Next, we show how the subject has been treated so far having the economic theory as background and we examine experiments of privatization at international level. The analysis of such experiments reveals that the early agenda for the privatization took for granted that the rural extension services − which were a responsibility of the State − would be held completely by the private sectors. However, a series of obstacles appeared and arguments for models of privatization in which the State has a main role spread over. Therefore, the exam of international experiments of privatization led to the conclusion that they followed different orientations. One set of experiments was oriented by the notion of the “Minimum State” while the other had for reference the State as a supporter for private action. The privatization is a current and relevant process and, therefore, the discussion about it is considered necessary.

The Brazilian experience with agroecological extension: a critical analysis of reform in a pluralistic extension system

ABSTRACT Purpose: To analyze the Brazilian experience in designing and implementing a recent extension policy reform based on agroecology, and reflect on its wider theoretical implications for extension reform literature. Design/methodology/approach: Using a critical public analysis we characterize the evolution of Brazilian federal extension policy between 2004 and 2015, using political and legal documents as well as recent academic studies for policy frame characterization and implementation analysis. Findings: The case reveals the difficulty of implementing an agroecological extension approach as part of the endogenous development proposal expressed in 2004 PNATER. The agroecological proposal tended to be impaired by a more general demand for diverse public policy programs implementation, facing a series of institutional constraints. A policy reframing process led to a search for alternatives to make it compatible with a federal centralization trend and public administration rules, resulting in a contracting out emphasis. Theoretical implications: The study shows the political economy aspects of extension reform, and how original plans are influenced by path dependence and different and contrasting demands. Practical implications: The study points to the importance of considering political and institutional environments in extension reforms, and indicates a necessity for additional reflection about strategies for scaling up proposals for agroecological and sustainability oriented extension. Originality/value: Few studies are dedicated to understanding the political economy of extension reform, and reform of Brazilian rural extension systems.