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EXTENSION PROGRAMS, PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATION, AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT: A COMPARISON BETWEEN FIVE INDIAN RESERVATIONS AND SIX SURROUNDING COUNTIES

Agricultural Issues

Sabrina Tuttle
ASSISTANT AGENT
THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA
SAN CARLOS

Abstract

Extension service to counties and states in the United States exhibits a long tradition; communities understand extension’s role and sustain it culturally and economically. Historically, extension service on U.S. American Indian reservations has often been erratic. This study’s purpose was to discover distinctions between extension in counties and on Indian reservations. The qualitative research project covered 7 site visits on 5 reservations in 6 counties, with 28 interviews of extension agents, specialists, staff, and an adminstrator. Findings comprised: reservation extension varied from county extension with respect to educational objectives, planning, delivery strategies, evaluation, and volunteerism, with volunteerism exhibiting the greatest variance. These divergences were due to language, educational, cultural, political, and geographical factors, as well as experience with extension. Personnel administration variations were: reservation agents covered broader program areas than county agents; Indian reservation programs are grant funded, with no chance for formula funded stability nor continuing status as agents. Instructional staff, office space, and computer support may be less on the reservations than in the counties. Although community backing may be adequate for both, Indian reservation extension lacks the stability of long term county relationships. Extension programming on the reservations should use hands-on educational techniques that include topics of cultural relevance to each community, as well as use of concise evaluations and discussions. Partnering with tribal agencies and schools is a better strategy than using volunteers in many reservation situations. Offering stable funding for extension positions on reservations is needed, and enhancing partnerships within extension is advisable. Authors: Livingston, M.R., Masters, L.S., Dambeck, A.E., Benally, J.Y., Adolf, M.M., Alden, E.A., Tuttle, S.L., Crowley, T.H.
  1. Livingston, M.R. Associate Agent, University of Arizona, Hopi Reservation, Arizona, 86039
  2. Masters, L.S. Assistant Agent and County Extension Director, University of Arizona, Colorado River Indian Tribes/La Paz County, Arizona, 85344
  3. Dambeck, A.E. Agriculture Science Instructor, Tohono O'odham Community College, Arizona, 85634
  4. Benally, J.Y. Assistant Agent, University of Arizona, Navajo Nation, New Mexico, 87420
  5. Adolf, M.M. Former Assistant Agent and County Extension Director, University of Arizona, Greenlee County, Oregon, 97467
  6. Alden, E.A. Assistant Agent, University of Arizona, Hualapai Reservation, Arizona, 86434
  7. Tuttle, S.L. Assistant Agent and Assistant Professor, University of Arizona, San Carlos Reservation, Arizona, 85550
  8. Crowley, T.H. Extension Program Assistant, University of Arizona, Hualapai Reservation, Arizona, 86434