Poverty is multidimensional and requires differentiated responses. In addition to increasing their income, rural families seek to improve their means of life and have more participation and representation in the life of their communities and countries.

Technology is not enough. Rural extension must contribute to provide opportunities to the most vulnerable members of society in areas such as food safety, changes in their productive systems, access to markets, the financial system, and representation in political arenas.

Access must be improved for women and young people, and an effort must be made to recognize different forms of collective action. These are effective ways of increasing the social capital of the rural poor and allow them to decrease risks, develop new skills, create networks, decrease transaction costs, or improve opportunities for access to markets.

A rural extension public policy should form part of a global strategy for poverty reduction, social inclusion, and rural development.This requires political will and long-term commitments.

The State plays a key rolein the generation of conditions that allow rural extension to have results and impact and cover spaces that other stakeholders will not occupy. It must address the gaps and imperfections in the market and ensure that people who live in conditions of poverty in rural territories have opportunities and the resources that they need to participate in development processes in a more equitable manner.