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Section 2. Reviewing Fisheries Extension in Senegal
2.1. Concept of Extension
The concept of Extension is defined in some dictionaries as “action to render knowledge accessible, to make it available to all.” This clear and precise definition helps us understand the concept. However,
it is difficult to find a widely accepted synonym of the term extension. Some of the synonyms that have been proposed such as diffusion, generalization, propagation, popularization or vulgarization,
are vague and rather general, whereas extension, as defined in Wikipedia, is a form of educational dissemination of knowledge to all. This definition, in our view, seems more appropriate, considering
that diffusion involves an educational aspect, precise content knowledge diffusion, and specific targets as expressed by “accessible to all” meaning all those who are involved. In this regard, the
term “knowledge” has a multidimensional connotation and can refer to academic, scientific or empirical knowledge, or knowledge on the techniques or technologies that should be acquired by a
specific group of targets.
Based on these explanations on the definition, different expressions can be used to refer to extension, such as transfer of knowledge, ownership of concepts, transfer of innovation, capacity development,
transfer of technology, etc. For any approach utilized, there is always the idea of knowledge and learning disseminated to the targets concerned. We believe therefore that the concept of extension is
indissociable from training, continuing education, and capacity development, all of which are concepts this study will address.
It is worth noting also that there is a new approach to extension which places more emphasis on the human person, on the actor rather than on material, techniques or technology. It is in this respect that
many development agencies are talking more about “Advisory Support” or “Participatory Development”, which are terms highlighting interaction and partnership, as seen in fisheries co-
management.
Finally, the New Information and Communication Technologies have ushered in a new form of extension that is developing via the Internet and Intranet networks, websites or email accounts that are
used to share, transfer, and disseminate information and knowledge. Distance learning, or the provision of substantive information via the Internet, and the extensive use of mobile phones, are all
examples of this trend.
2.2. General Characteristics of Fisheries Extenstion and its Relation with the Fisheries Sector
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