The paper presents a normative framework for the convenience of policy-makers. This framework has been developed for one main purpose: to review the present rural and agricultural extension systems of developing countries, with the main objective for reforming them on the basis of the many normative principles and interventions cut across all regions, but their application must be done according to the "situational context", which asks for consideration of prevailing political, institutional, economic, social, cultural, religious, agricultural, geographical, infrastructural and technological conditions. Such considerations are necessary for a realistic application of the principles and interventions, but without making too many concessions and compromises.