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Abstract
The article analyzes and discusses the privatization of the
rural extension services according to international literature. To start
with, the subject is set in the horizon of the debate of the so called
State Reform, which determined the agenda for the development since
the 1980’s. Next, we show how the subject has been treated so far having
the economic theory as background and we examine experiments
of privatization at international level. The analysis of such experiments
reveals that the early agenda for the privatization took for granted that
the rural extension services − which were a responsibility of the State
− would be held completely by the private sectors. However, a series of
obstacles appeared and arguments for models of privatization in which
the State has a main role spread over. Therefore, the exam of international
experiments of privatization led to the conclusion that they followed
different orientations. One set of experiments was oriented by
the notion of the “Minimum State” while the other had for reference
the State as a supporter for private action. The privatization is a current
and relevant process and, therefore, the discussion about it is considered
necessary.