From Farm Results Demonstrations to Multistate Impact Designs: Cooperative Extension Navigates its Way Through Evaluation Pathways

Abstract

This article explores how evaluation has been developed and expanded within the Cooperative Extension system, from the beginning of agricultural education in America in 1800 to the present day. Important periods across the history of Extension evaluation have been identified and categorized according to major themes and significant contributions of Extension individuals and organizations. Challenges for the future of evaluation within Extension are discussed.

Keywords

• evaluation
• cooperative extension
• extension
• national institute of food and agriculture
• nifa
• smith-lever act
• food and agriculture act
• governance and performance results act
• agricultural research extension and education reform act