Group-based extension delivery methods and their comparative advantage over individual farm visits

Abstract

What does an extension service gain or lose when it shifts from visiting farmers individually to working with them in groups? This research compared effectiveness, cost-efficiency, and farmer satisfaction of group-based delivery versus individual farm visits across six districts in Trinidad and Tobago. Data from 246 farmers and 32 extension agents were collected between March and November 2023. Group methods reached 3.8 times more farmers per agent-hour than individual visits (p<0.001). Satisfaction was highest for medium groups of 11-25 participants (mean=4.1/5), while individual visits scored 3.2 and large groups 3.5. Knowledge retention at 90 days was comparable between individual visits (58.3%) and medium groups (56.7%), but dropped to 41.2% for large groups. Medium-sized groups offer the strongest balance of reach, satisfaction, and retention.