Indira Gandhi National Open University(IGNOU) इंदिरा गांधी राष्ट्रीय मुक्त विश्वविद्यालय (इग्नू)
The School of Extension and Development Studies (SOEDS) was established in 2009 with an aim at providing quality education in various aspects of Development Studies, Urban Studies, Population Studies, Tribal Studies and Extension Education, by offering programmes leading to the award of Certificate, Diploma, Post Graduate Diploma and Post-Graduate Degrees in relevant subjects.
VISION
The school aims to be known for highest standards of excellence in Development Studies, Urban Studies, Population Studies, Tribal Studies and Extension Education.
MISSION
To devise quality distance education programmes and generate creative human resources with knowledge, skill and perspectives on the thrust areas of the School.
The thrust areas of the School are
There are 6 faculty members coordinating 11 ODL programmes, PhD in Development Studies and 2 MOOCS in the thrust area of the School. The School also organizes seminars, undertakes systemic research and fosters collaborations with different organizations to disseminate education and build skills in development and allied sectors
HISTORY
The school was established in 2009. Initially the school started with a modular programme having Post Graduate Certificate, PG Diploma and MA in Extension and Development Studies with multiple entry and exit options.Currently the school is offering 1 PhD, 4 Masters, 6 PG Diplomas and 1 Diploma programme. The School is also offering 2 MOOCs.The School is involved in teaching, research and extension activities. The School has also been organizing webinars, seminars, lectures and panel discussions on various occasions. The School has also hosted an U.S. Fulbright Regional Research Scholar in 2019
Some of the past activities of the School include:
Hosting of Fulbright Research Scholar
The SOEDS hosted Prof. Murari Suvedi from Michigan State University, USA as a Fulbright Senior Scholar during 2019-20. The following research project has been completed under this
programme: Strengthening Agricultural Extension Training in South Asia (India, Sri Lanka and Nepal)- Process Skills and Competency Gaps in Undergraduate Agricultural Extension Curriculum (2020) – Funded by US Department of State under Fulbright programme.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/profiles/murari_suvedi/Strengthening%20Agricultural%20Extension%20Training%20in%20South%20Asia%20March%202021.pdf
Impact: Based on the evaluation recommendations, agricultural colleges and universities in South Asia (India, Sri Lanka and Nepal) could revise or upgrade their agricultural extension Curricula to prepare the next generation of extension professionals needed for agricultural
Development . The recommendations were submitted to 7 the Deans Committee constituted by Indian Council of Agricultural Research for the revision of UG agriculture curriculum.
International Collaboration: Development of Post Graduate Diploma in Animal Welfare (PGDAW) The School of Extension and Development Studies (SOEDS), Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), and The University of Edinburgh, UK, have jointly developed a Post
Graduate Diploma in Animal Welfare (PGDAW) to accomplish dual objectives in India:
Concerning animal welfare .
Introduced in July 2020 and endorsed by the Animal Welfare Board of India, the PGDAW is one Of the largest animal welfare continuing veterinary education (CVE) program globally, with More than 4500 learners, marking a significant milestone in animal welfare education and Advocacy in India. This one-year 32 credits curriculum with 4 courses, 85 self-learning modules, 350 exercises and 160 activities investigate the welfare dimensions of farm, poultry, working,
Performing, companion, zoo, lab, and street animals as below:
Measures for enhancing animal well-being in diverse settings.
The PGDAW aims to be the leading example of excellence in the field of ODL animal welfare Education.
https://ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in/index.php/site/programme-detail?id=5a63bf535fec66f73df6a569088346018d98097b40a18eb2cfb11c7cd30fb7fc1623
International Conference
Two days International Seminar was organized by the School on “Ethnicity and Development in South Asia: Issues and Challenges” from January 21-22, 2016 Funded by ICCR and ICSSR, New Delhi.
International Research Projects Completed
Impact: This AAP-PIRA evaluation report contributes significantly to strengthen the undergraduate (UG) agricultural extension curriculum in sub-Saharan Africa covering Nigeria, Malawi, South Africa, Uganda, and Kenya. To address the needs of demand-driven, pluralistic, decentralized and participatory agricultural extension advisory services in sub-Saharan Africa, the evaluation identified and recommends 11 process skills and core competencies with 97 sub-competencies for their inclusion in the UG agricultural extension curriculum in sub-Saharan Africa.
This evaluation study also contributed to the development of following extension training manual:
Essential Competencies of Frontline Agricultural Extension Professionals. East Lansing, Michigan, USA: Alliance for African Partnership, Michigan State University (2024). Funded by AAP-PIRA (Alliance for African Partnership - Partnerships for Innovative Research in Africa Grant, Michigan State University.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/csus/uploads/Essential Competencies_Full Book.pdf
Impact: Based on the evaluation recommendations, agricultural colleges and universities in South Asia (India, Sri Lanka and Nepal) could revise or upgrade their agricultural extension curricula to prepare the next generation of extension professionals needed for agricultural development. The recommendations were submitted to 7 th Deans Committee constituted by Indian Council of Agricultural Research for the revision of UG agriculture curriculum.
Impact: Based on the evaluation, the specific policy interventions recommended to Veterinary Council of India were: Improving competencies through hands-on pre-service instruction in veterinary colleges and proper assessment of competencies before certification, and competency development through continuing veterinary education programs.
Impact: One of the key recommendations of this evaluation was to establish a regulatory body on contact farming to safeguard the interest of poultry farmers. Based on the recommendations of this report, the Government of India formulated model contact farming act and issued guidelines on contract farming.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.5367/oa.2011.0033?journalCode=oaga
Impact: This evaluation helped in scaling up of radio farm school programmes and had a major impact on developing awareness, knowledge and changes in attitude and in involving end-users in poultry outreach activities.
DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
Extension and Development Studies is an interdisciplinary field focused on improving the quality of life in rural and underserved communities through education, innovation, and participatory approaches. It combines principles from agriculture, sociology, economics, and communication to facilitate sustainable development. The field emphasizes empowering individuals and communities by extending knowledge, building capacity, and fostering inclusive growth.
In this direction, School of Extension and Development Studies (SOEDS) was established in 2009 with a mission to devise quality distance education programmes and generate creative human resources with knowledge, skill and perspectives. At SOEDS, we are committed to fostering inclusive and sustainable development through interdisciplinary education and research. Our diverse programmes ranging from Development Studies, Urban Studies, and Population Studies to Tribal Studies, Animal Welfare, Corporate Social Responsibility, and Value Education reflect our holistic approach to addressing the complex challenges of today’s world.
At SOEDS, we aim to equip learners with the knowledge, skills, and ethical grounding needed to drive meaningful change in society. Through a blend of academic rigor and practical engagement through project works, we prepare professionals who can work effectively across sectors and communities. We invite you to explore our programmes and join us in our mission to contribute to a more equitable and compassionate world.
Prof. Nisha Varghese
Director, SOEDS
