University extension oriented to rural areas at the National University of La Plata (2003-2019)

Abstract

The public rural extension system is made up of plans, programs and projects designed and executed by different state agencies. In Argentina, INTA and the National Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries are the main institutions in this matter; however, provincial ministries, municipalities and national universities carry out activities of the same type. In this work, it is proposed to focus on extension actions that correspond to the university environment and that, at the same time, are oriented to the rural and/or agricultural area. Beyond the common aspects, university extension and rural extension have had, throughout their history, different trajectories. Likewise, it is possible to identify experiences that could fall within both, such is the case of numerous projects and/or programs promoted, fundamentally, by the agronomy and veterinary faculties. In this sense, the objective of this article is to describe the university extension oriented to rural areas in the first two decades of this century. To do this, it focuses on the study of a particular case: the National University of La Plata. Regarding the results, we identified significant changes in relation to the number and diversity of projects, and their content -actions and objectives. We have observed the incorporation of different theoretical frameworks and conceptual approaches that not only place the traditional transference model into debate but have also contributed to the training of professionals with greater social commitment, who understand and value cultural diversity and care of the environment.