Extension Approaches and Farmer Participatory Disease Management

Plant disease management at the grassroots level requires more than technical solutions—it demands inclusive, participatory, and contextspecific strategies. This chapter explores the evolving role of agricultural extension systems in promoting farmer engagement in disease diagnosis, prevention, and integrated management. Participatory disease surveillance, on-farm trials, field schools, ICT tools, and local knowledge integration have emerged as vital components of effective disease control. By placing farmers at the center of decision-making, extension services can improve disease response, build resilience, and reduce dependence on synthetic pesticides. Case studies from India and Africa illustrate successful models, while challenges related to capacity, technology adoption, and climate variability are also addressed. Emphasizing cocreation of knowledge, this chapter proposes a road-map for strengthening farmer-led disease management in sustainable agriculture.