Supply of and demand for agricultural extension services in Malawi – A synthesis

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)
Keyword(s):  
Agricultural Extension ◽  
Extension Services

scholarly journals Towards a Professionalism of Agricultural Extension: Key to Promoting Extension Effectiveness in Africa

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 81
Author(s):  
Robert Agunga ◽  
Ruth Sleshi ◽  
Rahwa Hassen
Keyword(s):  
Agricultural Extension ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Slow Process ◽  
Collaborative Relationship ◽  
Extension Services ◽  
Level Of Education ◽  
Governmental Agencies ◽  
Communication For Development ◽  
Significant Extension ◽  
Local Farmers

A survey of a small sample of 123 extension workers in Ghana and Ethiopia may have revealed the key issue facing extension ineffectiveness in Africa—the paucity of extension training. Questions on job satisfaction showed that respondents were highly satisfied with: a) an opportunity to work in an area they are trained (N=88, 57%), b) level of education (N=75 (61%), c) enthusiasm towards their work (N=72 (58.5%), and d) opportunity to work with local farmers. However, they were highly dissatisfied with: a) their salaries (N=108 (87.8%), b) the process of decentralization (N=83 (75.6%), c) cooperation from non-governmental agencies (N=87 (70.7%), d) respect from peers in other sectors of government (N=83 (68.0%), e) training in development (N=79 (65.3%), and f) training in communication (N=65 (54.2%). We find their complaints on lack of or limited training in development and communication worthy to note because in the last 40 years extension performance has stressed facilitation among development partners. It can be argued, therefore, that the slow process of decentralization, the friction between extension workers and their NGO counterparts, and their inability to get along with their compatriots in other ministries can be traced to their limited or lack of training in development and communication, otherwise called “Communication for Development” (C4D). We conclude, therefore, that if extension workers are to be effective in their new role as development facilitators not only must their training in agriculture expand to include C4D but, equally significant, extension systems throughout the continent must operate as a profession. Therefore, the authors recommend the establishment of a professional association throughout Africa, under the rubric of “ExtensionAfrica,” which will address the need for extension effectiveness on the continent. We particularly recommend a collaborative relationship with the African Forum for Agricultural Services (AFAAS), which has a mandate for advising on extension services, to make this happen.

Bridging Gender Gaps in Provision of Agricultural Extension Service Using ICT

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Sanga ◽  
V. J. Kalungwizi ◽  
C. P. Msuya
Keyword(s):  
Group Discussion ◽  
Agricultural Extension ◽  
Women Farmers ◽  
Extension Service ◽  
Advisory Panel ◽  
Extension Services ◽  
Agricultural Extension Service ◽  
Ict Tools ◽  
Radio Programs ◽  
Important Evidence

This article was designed to present the assessment of the effectiveness of radio - based, impact driven smallholder farmer extension service system provided by FVR to enhance accessibility of extension services to women and men in the project areas of Tanzania. Specifically, this paper assessed women and men farmers' access to ICT and factors influencing the utilization of ICT to deliver agricultural information and knowledge. The paper used data from impact assessment survey of the project conducted between April 2012 and June 2012. These data were complemented by focus group discussion involving members of gender advisory panel that had been established in the selected project sites. Quantitative data were analyzed to yield frequencies and percentages. Qualitative data were analyzed by content analysis. Even though ownership of mobile phones and radio was higher among women in all study areas both men and women farmers' had almost the same percentage in accessibility to agricultural extension information. The factors that affected women and men farmers to get quality agricultural information via these ICT tools were namely: poor radio signal reception, power outrage and poor timing of radio programs among others. This is important evidence that careful use of ICT can reduce gender imbalance in agricultural extension services and information delivery.

scholarly journals The Impact Of Agricultural Extension Contact On Crop Income In Bangladesh

2013 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 321-334 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abu Zafar Mahmudul Haq
Keyword(s):  
Random Sampling ◽  
Field Survey ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Agricultural Extension ◽  
Farm Income ◽  
Extension Services ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Crop Income ◽  
The Impact

The impact of extension contact on crop income is examined with a view to evaluating the agricultural extension in Bangladesh. The scope of the study was ten villages of Gazipur district. The objectives of the study are to i) determine the factors influencing the benefit of extension services in terms of farm income, ii) determine the factors affecting the extension contact of farmers, and iii) suggest some policy guidelines to improve the extension services in Bangladesh. The sample of the study consists of 1000 farmers. Data came from field survey and multistage random sampling technique was used in order to collect data. The results indicated that the impact of extension contact coefficient on crop income is positive and significant. Evidence shows that the influence of extension contact coefficient is strongly positive and significant in the comparatively nearer villages to upazila headquarters, while this effect is weaker for those villages, which are comparatively away from upazila headquarters. It is found that many farmers did not receive extension contact and the effect of extension contact is weak on crop income compared to other factors such as irrigation and chemical fertilizer. It is assumed that there was enough scope to increase extension contact in the study areas. Some determinants of extension contact were also examined. The study concludes that agricultural extension is necessary to increase among the farmers. Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 38(2): 321-334, June 2013 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v38i2.15893

scholarly journals Livelihood assessment of avocado growing in western Kenya and its socioeconomic implications using agricultural extension services

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 71-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ouma George ◽  
Odhiambo G. Duncan ◽  
Musyimi David ◽  
Kwach Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Practices ◽  
Lake Victoria ◽  
Social Scientist ◽  
Agricultural Extension ◽  
Lake Victoria Basin ◽  
Extension Services ◽  
Western Kenya ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Level Of Education ◽  
Secondary Sources

Avocado (Persia americana) is an important world crop. In Kenya, it has become a very important crop but its production is limited by several factors. Studies were conducted in the Lake Victoria Basin counties of Bunyala in Busia, Kisumu, Muhoroni, Nyando and Rachuonyo in western Kenya to investigate the socioeconomic factors affecting Avocado production.  Information were collected from focus group discussions, key informants, individual interviews and secondary sources. Statistical Package for Social Scientist was used to analyze data collected interpreted and reported.  The objectives were to assess how Avocado growers in western Kenya using Agricultural extension services affects the Livelihood of farmers considering their level of education and extension services and the implication it has on their decisions making to invest in Avocado production. There was positive relationship within the participating farmers as relates their level of education, income and availability of extension services that led to high adoption of inputs, choice of rootstocks to grow the crop, varieties chosen, planting, cultural practices harvesting, storage and marketing.

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