Transformative Change in Extension Services: Balancing Human Well-Being, Wealth Protection and Sustainability

This bibliometric analysis explores the evolving role of extension services in addressing sustainability, wealth protection, and human well-being. By examining citation patterns and scholarly publications, it identifies key trends, influential authors, and emerging research areas. The findings underscore the importance of extension services in tackling global challenges and promoting sustainable development, revealing a growing interest in innovative changes within these services. The diverse range of contributing authors highlights the global nature of this research, with CIRAD emerging as a key institution. Major themes include extension, development, policy, governance, and human-centered approaches, all of which are interconnected in fostering sustainability. Emerging trends point to a need for more research on how to effectively integrate these elements. Technological advancements, policy reforms, knowledge sharing, and a focus on human needs are vital for driving meaningful change. While this analysis offers valuable insights, future research should address its limitations and explore further avenues for understanding transformative changes in extension services.

Transformative changes in extension services are becoming increasingly vital in our efforts to promote sustainability, protect resources, and enhance human well-being, especially in a world that’s rapidly evolving. As we face growing agricultural and environmental challenges—like climate change, population growth, and widening socioeconomic gaps—the importance of extension services shines through. These services act as a crucial bridge, connecting research with real-world application. They equip farmers, communities, and policymakers with the knowledge and tools they need to adopt sustainable practices, ultimately empowering them to navigate these pressing issues and build a more resilient future. Recent bibliometric analyses have highlighted a growing body of literature focusing on the transformative potential of extension services, particularly in addressing the intertwined goals of sustainability, wealth protection, and improving human well-being (Luo et al., 2022). The Scopus database, known for its comprehensive coverage of academic literature, reveals a notable increase in publications dedicated to these themes, indicating an escalating awareness of the importance of effective extension strategies in global development (Van Eck & Waltman, 2010). Extension services, which have long been seen as essential to rural and agricultural development, are going through a significant change. Extension programs have undergone many changes throughout the years in response to farmers’ changing needs as well as the market they operate in (Maulu et al., 2021). Traditionally responsible for sharing best practices and agricultural information, these services today have to deal with complex global concerns like social injustice, economic instability, and climate change. Well-functioning, dynamic and demand-driven agricultural research systems and Extension and Advisory Services (EAS) play a critical role in the multistakeholder processes which unleash agricultural innovation (FAO, 2020).

The need for a holistic approach to extension services that considers economic, social, and environmental dimensions is emphasized in various studies. This approach aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which call for integrated solutions that foster resilience and equity (United Nations, 2015). By addressing the multiple facets of human development, extension services can contribute significantly to achieving the SDGs, particularly in rural areas where the impacts of climate change and poverty are most acute (World Bank, 2018). Human well-being, encompassing both physical and emotional health, is integral to the success of extension services. For instance, economic empowerment allows an individual to make decisions about investments in education and health and to take risks to expand the sources of their income (Khan, 2012). Effective extension strategies can enhance quality of life by improving access to resources and knowledge that foster better health outcomes and social cohesion (Swanson & Rajalahti, 2010). Concurrently, wealth protection extends beyond mere economic stability, emphasizing the resilience of livelihoods and equitable access to financial resources. The integration of wealth protection into extension services is critical for ensuring that agricultural practices contribute to economic security and reduce vulnerabilities among rural populations. Examining the effects of present services may assist in ensuring that future extension programmes are targeted, effective, and efficient (Kalogiannidis, S., & Syndoukas, D., 2024). 

Sustainability, the third pillar, addresses the environmental and resource management aspects essential for long-term viability. The relation of sustainability to other management goals such as resilience and economic efficiency is considered to be ultimately ideological in nature, and thus trade-offs occur both internally and externally (Cocklin 1989). Further, three differing approaches to ‘sustainability’ or ‘sustainable development’ are articulated: the economic which maximizes income whilst maintaining capital stock, the ecological which seeks to preserve biological and physical systems, and the sociocultural which encompasses equity and participation (Munasinghe 1993).

Sustainable extension practices not only help preserve natural resources but also promote practices that support environmental health and mitigate the impacts of climate change (Kremen & Miles, 2012). Balancing these three dimensions—human well-being, wealth protection, and sustainability—requires a holistic approach that incorporates diverse perspectives and innovative solutions. These services are instrumental in bridging the gap between agricultural research and practical farming, serving as a catalyst for the dissemination of knowledge, technology, and best practices among farmers (Abhijeet et al., 2023). This study employs bibliometric analysis to assess the evolving landscape of research on transformative changes in extension services, utilizing the Scopus database as a comprehensive source of academic literature. By examining publication trends, institutional collaborations, author contributions, and keyword co-occurrences, this analysis aims to provide a clearer picture of how extension services can effectively contribute to sustainable development and address pressing global challenges. Furthermore, understanding the collaborative dynamics among institutions can shed light on the global knowledge networks that facilitate innovation in extension practices. Identifying leading institutions and prolific authors will help map the key players in this field, fostering potential collaborations that can enhance research outputs and practical applications. Through a detailed exploration of these aspects, this study aims to not only highlight the current state of research but also identify gaps and opportunities for future inquiry. As the world grapples with complex issues like food security, climate resilience, and social equity, the role of extension services as a transformative force becomes increasingly vital.

Data Source

The literature search was conducted using the Scopus database, which is well-known for its comprehensive coverage of academic literature.

Search Query

The search query was modified to include relevant terms in order to locate research on transformative change in extension services in a global setting. The Scopus database was accessed by using the following search term: "TITLE-ABS-KEY "Extension AND "Sustainability" AND "Protection".

Data Selection

The selection of articles for inclusion in the research focused on studies that specifically examined the revolutionary shift in Extension Services. Articles unrelated to this topic were removed in order to ensure that the analysis remained relevant to the research environment. All articles from 2014 to 2024-regardless of language-were taken into account in the study.

Bibliometric Analysis

Bibliometric analysis was employed in this study to provide a statistical evaluation and visual depiction of the research trend in the area of studies on Extension Services: Balancing Human Well-Being, Wealth Protection, and Sustainability on a Global Scale. For the bibliometric analysis, Van Eck and Waltman's (Van Eck & Waltman, 2010) VOSviewer version 1.6.20 software was utilized to provide a comprehensive and comprehensible virtual representation of bibliometric data via maps. According to Luo et al. (2022), this program offers advantages in terms of information mining accuracy, network density, and cluster visualization. It generated and analyzed a range of bibliometric maps based on co-authorship and co-occurrence of keywords from the 209 included studies.

Only publications focusing on these subjects were included in the study selection process to ensure that the analysis focused on the transformative change in Extension Services globally. Consequently, this approach allowed for a more focused analysis of the research literature concerning the equilibrium between sustainability, wealth preservation, and human well-being.

Growth Trend of Journal Publications

By examining the number of publications for the 209 included studies on extension services research on a global scale each year from 2014 to 2024, a reliable assessment of the research growth trend in the field was obtained. Figure 1 provides an illustration of this.

Figure 1: Publication of papers by year 2014-2024.

The number of scholarly articles about transformative changes to extension services with an emphasis on sustainability, wealth protection, and human well-being is depicted in the figure. The information, which comes from Scopus, shows that from 2014 to 2022, there was an increase in interest in this subject, peaking in 2022 and then declining. This tendency probably reflects rising awareness of the value of extension services in tackling global issues, technological developments, and the ensuing research saturation or realignment of priorities.

Analysis of Documents by Affiliation

The top collaborating institutions based on the number of joint publications. The length of each bar represents the number of documents produced by these institutions in collaboration with others.

Figure 2: Top Collaborating Institutions 2014-2024.

The figure shows the top institutions contributing to research on transformative changes in extension services, based on the number of publications. CIRAD emerges as the leading institution, followed by universities from Brazil, the UK, the Netherlands, and other countries. This suggests a global collaboration and the importance of academic excellence in driving innovation in this field. The institutions likely focus on developing innovative approaches to address human well-being, wealth protection, and sustainability through extension services.

Analysis of Authorship

The most productive authors who collaborated, as measured by the quantity of papers they co-published. The number of joint publications is shown by the length of each bar.

Figure 3: Documents by Author.

The top ten authors with the most publications in the extension services category are depicted in the figure. Bansal, S. to Zhang, W. with two papers, emerge as the most prolific authors, followed by Abah, R.C., Abbasi, E., and other authors who each have one document. The fact that authors from different geographical areas are present emphasizes how international extension services research is.

Analysis of Journals Per Year

The graph indicates that throughout time, the five sources' research outputs have changed. Certain sources have grown steadily, while others have displayed fluctuations.

Figure 4: Journals with the Most Publications 2014-2024.

The figure shows how many papers on sustainability and environmental research were published in different journals between 2016 and 2024. With fifteen (15) publications, Sustainability Switzerland still holds the record for most publications; both PLOS One and the Journal of Environmental Management, with five (5) publications each, are showing signs of development. In addition, there are fewer than three papers in Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, and other journals.

The data also includes CiteScore, SJR, and SNIP information, all of which are helpful in assessing the quality and importance of research that is published in these journals. A more thorough comprehension of the patterns seen in the publication counts might be possible with more examination of the particular study topics covered by each journal.

Analysis of Documents by Type

The percentage distribution of the various document types in the dataset is displayed in this pie chart, which sheds light on the most popular formats for disseminating research.

Figure 5: Distribution of Document Types.

The pie chart shows the distribution of document types within the 209 documents. The majority of documents (73.7%) are articles with 154 documents, followed by book chapters (9.6%) with 20 documents, conference papers (8.6%) with 18 documents, reviews (6.7%) with 14 documents and books (1.4%) with 3 documents. This indicates that articles are the most common type of publication in this dataset, while books are the least frequent.

Analysis of the Keyword Co-Occurrence

The co-citation linkages between important concepts in the scientific literature are shown in this network visualization. Each node's size shows how frequently it is cited, and the co-citation relationship's strength is shown by the thickness of its edges.

Figure 6: Keywords co-occurrence network of the reviewed papers.

The VOSviewer map reveals key themes related to extension, development, policy, governance, knowledge, and human-centered approaches. Extension is positioned as a catalyst for sustainable development, influenced by policy and governance frameworks. Knowledge sharing and education are crucial for promoting sustainable practices. The map also highlights the importance of human-centered development, focusing on the well-being of individuals and communities. These interconnected themes emphasize the multifaceted nature of sustainable development and the role of extension in driving positive change.

The bibliometric analysis reveals a growing interest in transformative changes in extension services, emphasizing their crucial role in addressing global challenges and promoting sustainable development. CIRAD emerges as a leading institution in the field, and the presence of authors from various regions highlights the global nature of extension services research. Key themes identified include extension, development, policy, governance, knowledge, and human-centered approaches, emphasizing the interconnectedness of these factors in driving sustainable development. Future research should focus on integrating sustainability, wealth protection, and human well-being within extension services. Technological advancements, such as digital tools, can enhance efficiency and reach. Understanding how policy and governance structures support transformative changes is crucial. Strengthening knowledge sharing and capacity building among stakeholders is essential for effective implementation of sustainable practices. Finally, human-centered approaches that prioritize individual needs and well-being should be developed. While the bibliometric analysis provides valuable insights, it has limitations, such as relying solely on the Scopus database and potential keyword selection bias. Future research could address these limitations by expanding data sources, exploring additional keywords, and conducting qualitative studies to gain a deeper understanding of research trends and themes.

The bibliometric analysis underscores the critical role of transformative changes in extension services to address global challenges. By examining the growing body of research on this topic, we can gain valuable insights into the emerging trends and future directions for this field. One of the key findings is the increasing recognition of the interconnectedness between sustainability, wealth protection, and human well-being. This highlights the need for a holistic approach to extension services that addresses all three dimensions simultaneously. By integrating these elements, extension services can contribute to more sustainable and equitable outcomes for rural communities. Furthermore, the analysis identifies CIRAD as a leading institution in the field of extension services. This suggests that CIRAD's expertise and research contributions are making a significant impact on the development of innovative and effective extension strategies. The presence of authors from various regions also emphasizes the global nature of research on extension services, highlighting the importance of international collaboration and knowledge sharing. The keyword co-occurrence analysis reveals key themes related to extension, development, policy, governance, knowledge, and human-centered approaches. These findings underscore the complex interplay of factors that influence the effectiveness of extension services. By understanding these interconnected themes, researchers and practitioners can develop more comprehensive and targeted strategies for promoting sustainable development. In conclusion, the bibliometric analysis provides compelling evidence for the growing importance of transformative changes in extension services. By addressing the limitations of this study and conducting further research, we can gain a deeper understanding of how to shape extension services to meet the challenges of the 21st century and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future.