What is Fact Sheet?

A fact sheet contains a good message on a single topic that concerns the many of the farming community. Usually the fact sheet is single page but could be 2 pages printed back to back. For example one sheet on technical aspect, one sheet on social results and another one sheet on economic results. An example of fact sheet is attached. Fact sheet is useful in making a large number of extension agents and farmers aware of new technologies, ideas or practices.

Purpose

Fact sheets are used to transmit good knowledge about a technology, ideas or practices and allow the extension agents to have a reference for rice growing farmers.

Users/Audiences

Fact sheets can be used by as many as can read. Extension agents who works directly with farmers are the main user of the fact sheet. Progressive farmers who play social role in a group or community could be effective users also.

Writer of Fact Sheet

Scientists mainly write the fact sheet based on their research findings. In case of writing a fact sheet based on farm research, the scientist requires help from an extension agent. The extension trainer might also be a writer of fact sheets based on their training or on farm experience. For writing a fact sheet, the researcher and the extension agent must determine the educational needs of audiences. So fact sheet information must link with needs of their audience.

Characteristics of a fact sheet:

• What topic/subject to be in the fact sheet: When selected topics are identified from the best results to solve a farmer problem, they are used to prepare the fact sheets.
• Why use the information in the fact sheet: Causes or reasons for using the topic, advantages/effectiveness of the topic.
• How to use the technology: State major steps for using/conducting the topic in such a way as to provide the greatest learning opportunity to the users.

Fact sheets contain accurate, concise, clear simple language and a complete message on a single topic in both Bengali and English which is readable and understandable by non - scientists. Relevant photos to be used to reinforce the topic messages and help the users in the retention of the facts.