The Service, within the Natural Resources Management and Environment Department of FAO, assists Country Members to develop and maintain relevant, effective and efficient national agricultural research and extension systems (NARES) to generate adapt and transfer appropriate technologies for improved and sustainable production systems in agriculture, forestry and fisheries.

      The Service also assist NARES and their networks to develop appropriate policies and strategies, to mobilize their available resources in a coherent manner and to develop linkages and partnerships among relevant national, regional and international stakeholders of agricultural research, technology and extension continuum.

      The Service provides professional leadership in defining and addressing critical issues pertinent to sustainable development as well as the development of FAO policies, strategies and integrated programmes in the areas of its competence. The Service has organization wide responsibility for coordinating research and extension activities.