Abstract

Agricultural extension workers worldwide should not view the pioneering efforts of organic farming in the United States and Europe as a spectator sport but rather for its potential for achieving food security in developing countries. The advantages of organic agriculture, such as the ability to make a profit on a small acreage without chemical fertilizers, offers promise for improving subsistence agriculture. This study of organic farmers in Ohio, U.S.A. found that not only is organic farming environmental sustainable but it is also economically viable. However, the farmers were concerned that Extension workers had limited knowledge of and support for organic agriculture. The lack of knowledge and support of Extension for organic agriculture should be addressed so that organic agriculture can enrich subsistence farming and food security. The study concludes that rather than being apprehensive of organic agriculture, Extension workers should be proactive in embracing organic farming as an innovation for the 21st century.

Keywords: Organic farming, extension, sustainable development, communication, food security, developing countries, managing change

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