Since its founding conference session in 1945, extension has appeared in the agenda of most FAO's conferences, consultations or meetings (especially that of the World Conference on Agrarian Reform and Rural Development - WCARRD, in 1979). However, there are still many problems and issues to require attention. This article outlines : - the capabilities and limits in FAO's assistance to agricultural extension, - the kinds and scope of FAO's activities in support of agricultural extension, - the problem areas to be addressed in achieving effective and affordable systems. Strategies and future directions are given.