Cyber Extension

Cyber

According to the Oxford Dictionary, the word Cyber means “relating to information technology, the Internet, virtual reality, and cyberspace.” The term has its origin in cybernetics.

Cyber Space

The cyber space is the imaginary or virtual space of interconnected computers worldwide through networks. These computers can access information in the form of text, graphics, audio, video, and animation files. Software tools on the network facilitate interactive access to information from connected services. Thus, cyber space can be defined as the virtual world behind interconnected telecommunications and computer networks.

Extension

Extension stands for “the action or process of enlarging or extending something.” It could involve extending an area, time, or space.

E-Extension and Cyber Extension

• E-extension and cyber extension are more or less synonymous and can be used interchangeably.
• Cyber extension and e-extension are extension approaches, while ICT (Information and Communication Technology) serves as the tool to deliver services to clients, fulfilling the objectives of e-extension and cyber extension (Mondal, 2019).

Cyber Extension

According to Sharma (2005), cyber extension is defined as “extension over cyber space.” Cyber extension means using the power of online networks, computer communications, and digital multimedia interactions to facilitate the dissemination of agricultural technology.

Cyber extension includes the use of:

• Information and communication technology
• National and international information networks
• Internet, expert systems, multimedia learning systems, and computer-based training systems

It aims to improve information access for farmers, extension workers, research scientists, and extension managers.

According to Wijekoon (2003), cyber extension is an agricultural information exchange mechanism over cyber space, utilizing the interconnected networks of telecommunications and computer systems to facilitate information sharing.

Unique Features of Cyber Extension

1. Access to an Astounding Storehouse of Information: Free access to a large amount of knowledge and data.
2. Enables Interactive Communication: Facilitates real-time communication and collaboration.
3. 24×7 Information Availability: Provides information around the clock.
4. Global Accessibility: Information is accessible from any point on the globe.

Tools for Cyber Extension

• Internet
• Computer
• TV/LCD
• E-mail
• Digital Camera
• LCD Projector
• Printer

Information Provided Through Cyber Extension 

1. Weather Information:

   • Daily updates on maximum and minimum temperature, day length, direction and speed of wind, rainfall, relative humidity, and weather forecasting.

2. Alert Information:

   • Notifications about disasters, sudden changes in weather, and outbreaks of diseases and insects.

3. Insurance:

   • Information about insurance for crops, animals, and agricultural assets like tractors, tools, and implements.

4. General Awareness:

   • Knowledge about vaccination, cleanliness, health, family planning, and nutrition.

5. Rural Finance:

   • Information about microfinance opportunities, subsidies, and financial planning.

6. Education:

   • Information about training for farmers and educational opportunities for children, including both professional and non-professional institutions.

7. Animal Science:

   • Information about local animals, disease management, better breeds, balanced feeding, shed management, and health care.

Advantages of Cyber Extension

1. Quick Information Delivery: Information is rapidly shared with farmers.
2. Round-the-Clock Service: Offers continuous support to farmers.
3. Global Information Access: Farmers can access information from anywhere on Earth.
4. Efficient Communication: Improves communication efficiency.
5. Preservation of Message Quality: Ensures that the quality of the information is maintained.
6. Direct Interaction with Experts: Facilitates direct communication with specialists and experts.
7. Cost-Effective: Per-unit cost is lower compared to traditional extension systems.

Limitations of Cyber Extension

1. Poor Telecom Infrastructure in Rural Areas: Limited or no connectivity hampers service delivery.
2. Unreliable Power Supply: Frequent or erratic power cuts.
3. Lack of ICT-Trained Manpower: Few extension workers are available in rural areas with the necessary ICT skills.
4. Scarcity of Local Content: Information is often not in the local language or contextually relevant to farmers.
5. Low Purchasing Power of Rural Farmers: Economic constraints limit access to technology.
6. Incomplete Approach: Often lacks a holistic or integrated extension approach.
7. Sustainability Issues: Long-term viability and continuity are challenging.

IT and ICT

Information Technology (IT)

• IT refers to computer-based technology and telecommunications.
• It encompasses an entire industry that manages information using computers, networking, software, and hardware.
• IT departments typically focus on storing, processing, transmitting, retrieving, and securing digital information.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

• ICT integrates IT with broadcasting technologies, audio/video transmission, and telephony.
• It is an extended version of IT, aimed at facilitating communication across multimedia channels.

Cyber Extension: IT vs. ICT