Technological and Social Change in Agriculture

1. Define technology and its impact on social systems.
2. Explain the principles of technological change.
3. Discuss the role of agricultural extension in technology transfer.
4. Outline the ethical considerations in introducing technological changes.
5. Describe the process of mechanizing Nigerian agriculture.

13 weeks, about 30 hours in total. Yours will differ.

1. Week 1Module 1:

   • Unit 1: Understanding Technology and the Concept of Social Change · 2 hours

     Read about the meaning of technology and its components.. Differentiate between technology and indigenous technology.. Identify agricultural tools in indigenous technology..

   • Unit 2: Understanding Technological Change · 2 hours

     Explore technological changes in transportation and communication.. Discuss the implications of technological changes on society.. Understand the reasons for resistance to technological change..

2. Week 2Module 1:

   • Unit 3: Basic Social Concepts · 2 hours

     Differentiate between the different schools of thoughts surrounding the concept of social change.. Explain how social change affects your society and you as an individual.. Discuss the manner and sources of social change..

3. Week 3Module 2:

   • Unit 1: Technological Change and Societies · 2 hours

     Analyze the impeding forces when introducing change into a society.. Discuss the reasons for failure of transfer of technology.. Identify factors affecting technology transfer at the village level..

4. Week 4Module 2:

   • Unit 2: General Principles in Introducing Technological Change in Nigerian Agricultural Development · 2 hours

     Study the tips to apply when managing change.. Understand the principles of technological change management.. Discuss the human and community characteristics that must be changed to deliver the desired results in technological change process..

5. Week 5Module 2:

   • Unit 3: Factors to be Considered in Introducing a Technology into a Community · 2 hours

     Identify factors that are crucial to transfer of a new technology.. Discuss appropriate strategy for introducing a new technology to people you may be required to serve as an extension agent.. Explain how to get your clients into a favourable mind-frame to accepting new innovation/technology..

6. Week 6Module 3:

   • Unit 1: Influence of Technological Changes in Nigerian Agricultural Development · 2 hours

     Explain the significance of improved technology to Nigerian agricultural development.. State the implications of technology change on the local indigenous practices of Nigeria farmers.. Identify the value of indigenous knowledge for food production..

7. Week 7Module 3:

   • Unit 2: Agricultural Extension as a Source of Technological Change · 2 hours

     Explain how agricultural extension promotes rural and agricultural transformation through the vehicle of technological revolution.. Discuss your expectation as an extension practitioner includes the promotion of technological change..

8. Week 8Module 3:

   • Unit 3: Principles of Agricultural Extension · 2 hours

     Define the hypotheses upon which the operation of extension work is based.. Discuss the operational guiding principles of extension service.. Distinguish between what is the ideal extension practice/delivery system and what is not..

9. Week 9Module 3:

   • Unit 4: Role of Agricultural Extension in Agricultural Development · 2 hours

     Discuss the challenge of agricultural and rural development in Nigeria.. Outline the relationship between agricultural and rural development.. State your expected roles as a change agent in fast-tracking agricultural development in Nigeria..

10. Week 10Module 4:

    • Unit 1: Functions of Change Agents in Technology Transfer · 2 hours

      Define the term technology transfer.. List the do's and don'ts of extension agent when planning and implementing a technology transfer process.. Demonstrate adequate knowledge on how to successfully transfer a new technology to your clients..

11. Week 11Module 4:

    • Unit 2: Ethical Considerations in Introducing Technological Changes · 2 hours

      Specify the do's and don'ts of extension agents when planning and implementing a technology transfer process.. Demonstrate adequate knowledge on how to successfully transfer a new technology to your clients..

12. Week 12Module 4:

    • Unit 3: Agricultural Engineers and the Public Extension System · 2 hours

      State the relevance of agricultural extension to achieving the goal of mechanizing Nigerian agriculture.. Demonstrate adequate knowledge of the role of extension agents including that of other stakeholders in mechanizing Nigerian agriculture..

13. Week 13All Modules

    • Final Revision · 4 hours

      Review all course materials and key concepts.. Work on assignments and prepare for final examination.. Focus on areas of difficulty and seek clarification from tutors..