Extension-work and development in the Yonne department - The role of the farmers' union and of the « Chambre d'agriculture ». The organisation of extension-work in Yonne took place in three stages which correspond on the whole to the dates of the official texts : 1950, 1959, 1966. The analysis of each of these stages enables one to follow the evolution from giving technical advice to training the farmer and then to development. The principal questions still awaiting solutions are considered in a language that some of those responsible find « harsh ». Two facts explain this : - the analysis is based mainly on the political context of farmers in Yonne ; - the union leader (as is also true of the development expert) needs a greater clarification of his options, for he often has to explain them to farmers. These questions must therefore be considered not as criticism but as an appeal : - to those professionally responsible to explain their options without glossing over their consequences ; - to the scientists to attempt to work out and propose more coherent programmes of action (by going outside their own useful but narrow field), taking into account social justice and the fundamental need for every individual to be or to become responsible.
