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We work with partners to understand, learn and identify best extension and development practices.

We then Synthesize findings and Share practical Tools and Best Practices.

What we do.... 

Engage scholars.  


​We address issues related to improving and understanding extension systems (e.g., Where do farmers and intermediaries get their knowledge? ​What is the role of Entrepreneurs, input suppliers, savings groups and marketers in information transfer? etc.).

If you have questions you want studied, contact us. We will explore matching your interests with our faculty and/or our excellent graduate students (See RIFA and International Ag Development).

See our scholar Clinic page. 

Reviews and consultations


​With a focus on practical application, we are regularly engaged to work with groups to understand their extension systems and their information needs and processes. 

Contact us if you need a review, an analysis or a facilitated meeting.

Experience and example activities 

  • Afghanistan. Review of national Extension structures and needs. Activities under the Afghan Ag Extension Project phase II (AAEP II). Contacts: Jim Hill, Nick Madden.

  • Bangladesh. A village level study on gender and ICT use. Contacts: Edye Kuyper and Mark Bell with Mahbub Alam

  • Cambodia. Report from Hort Innovation Lab collaboration - looking at savings groups and information access. Contacts: Fred Saegmuller, Neda Yousif, David Miller, Cary Trexler, Glenn Young, and Mark Bell 

  • Cambodia. Rethinking the application of innovation and diffusion theory in international agricultural development: the critical role of active smallholder participation in developing sustainable and equitable innovation systems. IAD Capstone Study. Contacts. Katherine Hoeberling, David Miller.

  • Chile. Analysis of elements for an effective national extension system: Needs and roles. Diagram. Contacts: Maria Paz Santibanez, Carmen Prieto, Mark Bell

  • ​​China. Analyzing and piloting WeChat as a forum to promote improved apple production practices with poor farmers. Contacts: Minghua Zhang, Nick Madden and Mark Bell.

  • Colombia.Needs identification in the region of Carmen del Bolivar. State Department sponsored assessment involving Universidad de La Salle, UC Davis, Washington State University and New Mexico State University. Contact: Mark Bell

  • Ecuador. The IPO team worked with counterparts to analyze the Ecuadorian extension system, identifying approaches and needs to help them move forward. Contacts. Javier Jimenez (Ecudaor), Mark Bell, Richard Plant and Jim Grieshop.
  • Ethiopia. Rapid Appraisal of the ICT for Agricultural Extension Landscape in ETHIOPIA Contacts: Mark Bell, Andrea B. Bohn, Curran Hughes, Kelsey Barale, Courtney Jallo, Amanda Lewis, Jappy Santos.

  • Global. Consortium member for the Integrating Gender and Nutrition in Advisory Extension Services (INGENAES). Contacts: Edye Kuyper, Nikki Grey Rutamu and Mark Bell

  • Ghana. Studying the role of Call Centers Report.  Contacts: Erin McGuire, Mark Bell, Amanda Crump

  • Ghana. Rapid Appraisal of the ICT for Agricultural Extension Landscape in GHANA Contacts: Mark Bell, Andrea B. Bohn, Carrie Teiken, Nicholaus Madden, Jessica Schweiger. Julia Shuck​

  • ICT. Discussion Paper and Brief prepared on the role of ICT in Behavior Change in Agriculture. Work was implemented as part of the UIUC-led Global Project Modernizing Extension Advisory Services (MEAS). Contact: Mark Bell.

  • ICT. Guest article for ICTWorks on "Three factors to make your ICT4Ag efforts more effective". Contact: Mark Bell.

  • Liberia. National Extension structures and opportunities. Contacts: Austin Peterson and David Miller. 

  • Nepal. Technology assessment. Gender considerations in Conservation Ag. Contacts: Laina Schneider and Mark Bell.

  • ​Pakistan. A series of National ICT in Ag consultations lead to the development of a Working Paper on ICT in Ag for Pakistan. Contacts: Dr Babar Shahbaz (UAF) and Mark Bell. 

  • Sierra Leone. Facilitating Communication through Sierra Leone’s Extension Services and Farmer Based organizations. Contacts: Liberty Galvin and Mark Bell.

  • Students. Research and Innovation Fellowship for Agriculture (RIFA). To date, 32 University of California students under RIFA have done research in 17 countries; working with small development organizations around the world. Contacts: David Miller and Elana Peach-Fine.  

  • Tanzania. Rapid Appraisal of the ICT for Agricultural Extension Landscape in TANZANIA Contacts: Mark Bell, Andrea B. Bohn, Wilton Agatstein, Maria Paz Santibanez, Hussain Sharifi, Heather Cruise, Megan M. Mayzelle, 

  • Video. In collaboration with Digital Green, video development to reach small farmers. Contacts: Apoorva Neelapu (Digital Green) and Bilkis Bharucha, Margaret Lloyd (ANR)

  • ​Zambia. We provided facilitation and input for the development of the National Agricultural Extension Strategy. Contacts: Nikki grey Rutamu, Edye Kuyper, Mark Bell, plus Kristy Cook and Wesley Latham (Cultural Practices)