Agricultural extension institutions in rural Cambodia: Unpacking extension agent-farmer relations and interactions

Agricultural extension depends substantially on extension agent-farmer relations and interactions, which contribute to enhancing livelihoods, agricultural and rural development. These social engagements are influenced by the spheres of institutions that underpin extension practices on the ground. This paper examines how rural institutions shape extension agent-farmer relations and interactions in Cambodia, and how these impact on the levels of their engagement in extension activities. Drawing on empirical data collected from semi-structured interviews with forty-eight experts who work on agrarian studies and rural development in Cambodia and Southeast Asia, the paper argues that rural institutions in Cambodia are characterised by two major institutional boundaries (i.e., formal and informal) which shape varying forms of extension-related interactions among rural actors. The paper reveals that extension agents’ limited presence on the ground and infrequent interactions with farmers minimise opportunities for diffusion and (co)-production of knowledge. The paper offers a theoretical understanding of agricultural extension in the context of the Global South that, while strengthening extension agent-farmer relations and interactions is essential, advancing agricultural extension should recognise the complementary role of the two institutions in contributing to the everyday extension practices of rural communities. Reframing these institution-based agricultural extension pathways would mobilise synergies among rural actors towards improved agricultural and rural development. • Agricultural extension depends on extension agent-farmer relations and interactions. • Rural institutions in Cambodia are characterised by two primary institutional boundaries (formal and informal). • Institutional boundaries shape varying forms of extension-related relations and interactions among rural actors. • Informal institutions play an important role in the everyday extension practices of rural Cambodian communities.