Paul McNamara

Paul McNamara

Paul E. McNamara is the founder and director of AgReach. He is passionate about extension and committed to substantively improving the lives of smallholder farmers in the poorest countries of the world. Paul has over 20 years of international development experience, which is bolstered by his academic background as teacher, researcher and extension program specialist in the area of agricultural and consumer economics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Latest Articles

Opinion: PPPs in agriculture — an opportunity for improved extension and advisory services

Opinion: PPPs in agriculture — an opportunity for improved extension and advisory services

over 8 years ago // Sponsored by University of Illinois' AgReach Program

Both governments and the private sector in developing countries are leading initiatives to improve agriculture, but could a more joined-up approach to project work be more fruitful? Three experts from the University of Illinois’ AgReach program explains why growth in public-private partnerships may be key to farming success.

Opinion: 3 ways extension services can engage and empower rural youth

Opinion: 3 ways extension services can engage and empower rural youth

over 8 years ago // Sponsored by University of Illinois' AgReach Program

The agricultural sector plays a significant role in many developing countries’ economies and could generate new employment opportunities for young people. However, ministries of agriculture and nongovernmental organizations continue to hit roadblocks in delivering relevant services that prepare youth to manage agricultural enterprises. Paul E. McNamara and Andrea Bohn of the University of Illinois’ AgReach program outline three ways extension services can break down those barriers.