Social principles for agricultural extension to assist in the promotion of natural resource management

An understanding of social issues, the social nature of farming, and the social basis of adoption is needed if agricultural extension is to be effective in addressing natural resource management issues, and in promoting sustainability in its triple bottom line conceptualisation.  Twenty-seven principles are presented here, with the key principles being: awareness of farming as a social activity; recognition of the social diversity of farmers and the social drivers in agriculture; and the socio-cultural basis of adoption.