UNIT 1: Technology Transfer Skills and Strategies

WELCOME MESSAGE

Dear Students,

Welcome to the Technology Transfer Skills and Strategies course at the University of Rwanda, College of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Sciences. In a world where agricultural innovation is accelerating, the ability to effectively transfer knowledge and technology from research to practice is more critical than ever.

This course is designed to equip you with the practical skills, strategic frameworks, and communication tools needed to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and on-farm application. Whether you envision yourself working in extension services, agribusiness, policy, or research, this course will prepare you to become a catalyst for sustainable agricultural transformation in Rwanda and beyond.

We look forward to learning with you, from you, and alongside you as we explore how to make agricultural innovations accessible, adoptable, and impactful.

Let’s grow forward together.

Dr. Ir Habimana Sylvestre, Course Teacher
Department of Crop Sciences, CAFF
University of Rwanda

COURSE AIM

To develop competent and reflective practitioners capable of designing, implementing, and evaluating effective agricultural technology transfer systems that enhance farmer adoption, productivity, and sustainability within diverse socio-economic and ecological contexts.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Analyze the principles, models, and channels of agricultural technology transfer in different farming systems.

2. Design context-sensitive technology transfer strategies using participatory, digital, and demonstration-based approaches.

3. Evaluate the socio-economic, cultural, and institutional factors influencing technology adoption among smallholder farmers.

4. Develop a technology transfer proposal or campaign that integrates communication planning, M&E frameworks, and ethical considerations.

5. Apply facilitation, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills in real or simulated extension scenarios.

TEACHING & LEARNING STRATEGIES

• Interactive Lectures: Blended with case studies, video analyses, and guest speakers from RAB, FAO, and agri-tech startups.

• Role-plays & Simulations: Farmer–extension interactions, technology demonstration sessions, and stakeholder negotiation exercises.

• Field-based Learning: Visits to innovation platforms, farmer cooperatives, and digital extension projects.

• Group Projects: Development of a technology transfer plan for a specific innovation (e.g., drought-tolerant seeds, IoT-based irrigation).

• Digital Tools: Use of e-extension platforms, social media for outreach, and virtual reality demonstrations.

• Reflective Practice: Learning journals and peer feedback sessions.

• Policy Debates: Discussions on ethical, gender, and sustainability dimensions of technology transfer.

INDICATIVE CONTENTS

Module 1: Foundations of Technology Transfer

• Concepts and historical evolution

• Diffusion of innovations theory (Rogers)

• Types of agricultural technologies: mechanical, biological, digital, managerial

Module 2: Communication and Facilitation Skills

• Interpersonal communication in rural contexts

• Use of ICTs: SMS, radio, apps, video

• Facilitating farmer field schools and participatory learning

Module 3: Adoption and Behavioral Change

• Factors affecting technology adoption

• Gender and youth considerations

• Overcoming adoption barriers

Module 4: Transfer Methods and Tools

• Demonstration plots, field days, result demonstrations

• Mass media campaigns and digital outreach

• Innovation platforms and multi-actor networks

Module 5: Planning and Evaluating Transfer Programs

• Logic models and theory of change

• Monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) frameworks

• Cost-effectiveness and impact assessment

Module 6: Contemporary Issues

• Digital agriculture and precision extension

• Climate-smart technology transfer

• Ethics, inclusivity, and responsible innovation

Module 7: Capstone Project

• Designing a technology transfer strategy for a Rwandan context

• Peer review and presentation to practitioners

REFERENCES

Core Texts:

1. Rogers, E. M. (2003). Diffusion of Innovations (5th ed.). Free Press.

2. Leeuwis, C., & van den Ban, A. (2004). Communication for Rural Innovation: Rethinking Agricultural Extension. Blackwell.

3. FAO. (2021). Digital Agriculture Transformation: A Guide for Extension Advisors.

Rwanda-Specific Resources:

1. MINAGRI. (2018). Strategic Plan for Agricultural Transformation (PSTA 4).

2. RAB. (2022). National Extension Strategy.

3. Nyamba, S. Y., et al. (2021). Adoption of Climate-Smart Technologies in Rwanda.

Journals:

• Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension

• Agriculture and Human Values

• Food Policy

TEACHER CONTACTS:

Dr. Ir. Habimana Sylvestre
Email: s.habimana@ur.ac.rw
Phone: +250 788 486 031
Office: CAFFS Building, 
Office Hours: Wednesdays, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (or by appointment)

Important Notes:

• All course materials will be available on the UR Moodle platform.

• Please use your university email for all course-related communication.

• Field visit schedules will be communicated at least one week in advance.

Further Resources:

1. Adams, Mr. E., (1994), Agricultural Extension in Developing Countries, Longman

2. MINAGRI, (2005), NATIONAL  POLICY AND LEADING PRINCIPLES OF THE NEW AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SYSTEM, Kigali, Rwanda. 

3. MINAGRI (2009). NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION STRATEGY, P.53, Kigali, Rwanda. 

4. Van den Proclamation, A.W. & Hawkins, H.S. (1996), Agricultural Extension, 2nd ed., Blackwell, Ltd sciences, London, UK. 

5. Van den Proclamation, A.W. & al, (1994), THE FARMING EXTENSION IN AFRICA, KARTHALA, and CTA, Paris, France. 

6. Scarborough, Vanessa, et al., (1997), FARMER-LED EXTENSION, Concepts and, practices, London, UK

7. Nettie, Aarnink and Koos, Kingma (1991). Female Farmers and Male Extension Workers. Coll. Women and autonomy Centre, Ed. Leiden University, p. 137, NL. 

8. Morize, Jean, (1992), MANUAL CONVENIENT OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION, Volume 1 and 2, ACCT, Paris, France. 

9. Moris, Jon, (1991), Extension Alternatives in Tropical Africa, Overseas Development, Institute, London, UK. 

10. Leeuwis, C., (2004) COMMUNICATION heart FARMING INNOVATION, rethinking, Agricultural Extension. Blackwell publishing, NL,

11. Gwyn, Jones E., (1986), Investing in Farming Extension: Strategies and Goalkeepers, Elsevier, Applied Science Publishers, New York, USA. 

12. http://ecoursesonline.iasri.res.in/mod/page/view.php?id=4354 (AE link)