The extension needs study is a reference document for the design of extension programs, projects and activities at the Centro Regional Universitario de Veraguas. It offers a characterization of the context, on issues of family, education, health, housing, employment, income, with emphasis on the identification of the main community problems. The collection of information is based on the application of semi-structured interviews directed to local authorities of the province, particularly the mayor of the district of Santiago and representative of the Canto del Llano city council, as well as a survey applied to resident families. El Espino is a rural community. The city of Santiago landfill works in its vicinity, as well as companies dedicated to poultry and pork production, a situation that produces pollution due to bad odors, as well as visual pollution; Pollution generates illnesses among residents such as allergies, respiratory problems, among others, although the main morbidities are diabetes and hypertension. Unemployment, idleness, alcoholism and drug addiction cause problems of mistreatment and family disintegration. In the community there is a multi-grade school, the poor condition of the sidewalks and internal roads are identified, as well as the deterioration of the communal house. Apathy to participate in community organizations is observed amongresidents, in addition to disagreement with the actions of local authorities. The opportunities to do extension are in aspects such as training, cooperatives, environmental improvement programs, entrepreneurship and health tours.
