The linkage mechanism is the concrete procedure, regular event, arrangement, device or channel which bridges the gap between components of the system and allows communication between them (Roling, 1989). ISNAR studies have identified a number of mechanisms which could be used to strengthen the research-extension linkage. Some of these mechanism are appropriate only to specific situations. Those mechanisms over which managers or policy- makers may have some control are categorized into structural and organizational, and managerial (Zuidema, 1988).
Structural and organizational mechanisms
· Combining research and extension functions into one unit.
· De-centralizing research and extension activities into regional institutions.
· Fielding subject-matter specialists in extension.
· Staffing extension liaison positions in research institutions.
· Establishing communication-cum-information departments.
· Redefining roles and responsibilities between research and extension units.
· Creating inter-agency committees or councils.
· Developing inter-agency agreements for collaboration.
· Physically locating research and extension units together.
· Providing for farmer participation in research activities.
· Liaising with private organizations and NGOs.
Managerial mechanisms
· Redefining job descriptions to strengthen relationships.
· Establishing joint reviews of research and extension activities.
· Improving individual incentives (personal, professional and financial) for collaboration.
· Changing evaluation procedures to emphasize collaboration.
· Exchanging personnel, e.g., posting extension staff in a research organization.
· Joint training for expanded roles in a technology system.
· Joint use of facilities and services such as soil testing laboratories.
· Joint participation in functions such as field testing and demonstrations.
· Promoting informal linkages.
· Exchanging information using jointly developed protocols.
Linkage issues
The above list of mechanisms is not exhaustive, and consensus is lacking on some of them. Based on a large number of country reviews of NARS, ISNAR has made the following observations (Zuidema, 1988):
· Combining research and extension in one institution at the national, regional or experiment station level does not necessarily ensure adequate linkages. Irrespective of whether combined or not, accountability of one to the other is a critical issue.· Creation of permanent liaison departments within research and extension for carrying out linkage functions can be effective. However, this alone is not sufficient to build effective linkages.
· Research and technology transfer institutions should have joint responsibility for diagnostic activities, adaptive research, on-farm trials, reviewing results and impact evaluation.
· Research-extension-producer linkages have improved with de-centralization of both authority and resources. However, it is important to maintain a critical mass of researchers at any one location.
· In general, high levels of vertical integration of functions enhance the possibility of effective linkages and stimulate producer demand for technology. Single commodity programmes, however, are not suitable for producers of regions where many commodities are raised and the resource base is highly variable.
· Physical proximity and regular contact between researchers and extension personnel help in facilitating informal linkage.
· Research institutions should be adapted to the local environment and conditions.
