The Design of Extension and Support Services for Small-Scale Enterprise Development

Abstract

PROF. ALLAN GIBB IS DIRECTOR OF THE Small Business Centre at Durham University Business School. England, and Dr. George Manu is senior lecturer in small business at the Scottish Enterprise Foundation, Stirling University, Scotland. This paper looks at the design of extension and related support services and institutions for small-scale enterprise development in developing countries. It is based on a world-wide study carried out for the International Labour Organisation, Geneva, Switzerland, and on more detailed work in Ghana during which a miiodel was developed and tested. The paper first outlines some of the key issues of concern iti the design of extension services and presents a conceptual model for the design of SSE extension and related support services. Sound practices are prescribed in the light of the model leading to specific guidelines for designing and operating SSE support services. Finally, prctical implications of the model 'on the ground' are suggested.