The development of a nationwide, unified and all-inclusive National Extension and Advisory Services Policy is done in partnership with the Agricultural Research Council (ARC). The new policy seeks to shape and align research and extension across the three sectors (agriculture, forestry and fisheries). This policy will inform the management, coordination and implementation of Extension and Advisory Services in South Africa. The envisaged Extension Policy for national, provincial and local government will promote and facilitate a harmonised extension and advisory services approach for South Africa; give extension and advisory services a sector-wide dimension and representation. The policy’s purpose is to guide and regulate the provision of extension and advisory services in the country.

Phuhlisani Solutions has been awarded a grant by the Ford Foundation to work with DAFF, ARC and key stakeholders to facilitate a national policy dialogue and development process.

The Directorate: NER has commissioned a dedicated website through its Service Provider (Phuhlisani Solutions). The National Extension Policy website will be used as a vehicle for the communication of policy development process. All DAFF officials and other development actors with an interest are encouraged to contribute to the Policy Dialogue. It also seeks to enable Extension Specialists from DAFF, the provincial departments of agriculture and researchers to share their knowledge and make important contributions to the development of the National Extension Policy to shape the future of extension and advisory services in South Africa. The website carries news and updates on the policy development process with dedicated sections for agriculture, forestry and fisheries.

Officials are also invited to participate via a Twitter account @ExtensionPolicy linked to over 200 local and international organisations. The Service Provider has started to send out Tweets providing progress updates and information on the policy development process.