Effects of extension services of firms offering contract farming: A case study of small scale maize farmers in the Limpopo province of South Africa

Abstract

A probit regression model was employed in this study to investigate the effect of private extension services on contract farming participation by small scale maize farmers in rural areas of the Limpopo Province of South Africa. The study suggested that participation in contract farming was positively influenced by the quality of extension services provided, follow-up visits and type of enterprise. Stock of farm input supply and frequency of extension visits appeared to have negative influence. The study recommended follow-up visits coupled with quality extension services by extension agents after the introduction and adoption of new technology to farmers. Key words: Contract farming, probit regression, private extension services.