Role of Home Science extension in national development

Literally, the word Home Science can be interpreted as Systematic Education for home living. The art of

home making had a significant place in the sixty four arts an individual had to master for successful living."Home Science deals with all aspects of the life of the community and the nation. It integrates the application of knowledge synthesised from different sciences and humanities to improve the human environment, family nutrition, management of resources, child development, community resource management and consumer competence."

Today Home Science is described as a multipurpose programme of study which take care of individual’s

need and interests and develops need abilities and capacities for successful homemaking in a dynamic

society. Home Science extension aims at dissemination of scientific knowledge and technology  among the rural masses, inorder to improve their quality of life. The social, technological and economic development of the country has its ultimate objective in improving the quality of life of its population. Hence, the overall goals of all national development programmes are to make adequate provision for fulfilling the basic needs of the people- like good food, clothing, adequate housing, good health care facilities, education, recreation and job opportunities. In the age of globalization, a multitude of pressures and problems such as physical, social, emotional and psychological nature confront the individuals, families and communities.

Extension focuses on dissemination of the information relating to advanced technology in agricultural production, which includes usage of improved seeds, methods of use of chemical fertilizers, . application of advanced scientific knowledge to the farming and home of the rural people;  Scientific management of land based farming such as horticulture, sericulture, dairying, poultry etc, by the farming community;  Overall improvement of the quality of life of the rural people within the framework of the national economic and social policies as a whole. The eradication of extreme poverty and hunger, promotion of gender equity and the empowerment of women, combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases, and ensuring environmental sustainability, are among the declared United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals, which are closely related to the extension function.

In this context of growing pressures in the work environment and the external world of competitions, the family assumes a vital role in shaping the citizens of tomorrow. Here comes the major role of Home Science extension education, as it equips the future citizens with relevant knowledge and competence, and prepares them to become efficient custodians of the nation's futures.

Through its various spheres of involvements, it aims at developing the nation through eradication of poverty and illiteracy, infusing creativity in all aspects of life, social reform and enlighten, increasing food production, its better distribution and preservation, reduction in unemployment by promoting self employment, rural development, urban development, population education, income generation, resource mobilization and utilization.

               Apart from providing nutrition education to the community, extension education helps the community to know the trends in income, employment, poverty, unemployment, labour force participation,and other social and economic statistics which are very crucial for the development of the nation. Extension education has played an important role in strengthening the inner ability of our women by enhancing their level of education and by imparting financial independence.

Home Science education has played an important role in strengthening the inner ability of our women by enhancing their level of education and by imparting financial independence.Home Science extension education has played an important role in strengthening the inner ability of our women by enhancing their level of education and by imparting financial independence. The establishment of adult education, continuing education and community resource centres all over the world, is a reflection of the need, necessity and relevance  of extension education. Being one of the major role of University, extension education acts as change agents in conveying messages, ideas, knowledge, technology, information and skills to a captive target audience, and also brings back the viewpoints and feed back of the people back to the sources for further improvement.

Home scientists with their knowledge and concern and human life and happiness can work effectively

since many of the national development programs are for women and children. Home scientists can

successfully help the nation to achieve their targets. The role of Home Science as an educational discipline in developing the future citizen and inculcating in them citizenship qualities for their future role is significant.