Extension services enable farmers to take up innovations, improve
production, and protect the environment. Extension shows positive
effects on knowledge, adoption, and productivity. With studies
showing very high (13–500%) rates of return to extension, it is
a cost-effective way to improve farmer productivity and income.
Experiences with extension programmes show the positive impact
that they have on productivity and farmer incomes. For instance, a
programme with cacao farmers in Peru saw productivity rise from
340 to 600 kg per ha in three years.