Abstract
BackgroundIn this study, we present the current situation and the role of agricultural extension services for farmers and indicates the potential solutions for the optimum effectiveness of these services. Thus, we investigate the vital determinants influencing the farmers’ attitudes toward using agricultural extension services in Ghana and Zambia.MethodsIn this study, we used a mixed-method research analysis of data from a household survey of 240 farmers and 8 key informant interviews in the Upper West Region of Ghana and the Southern Province of Zambia.ResultsThe significant factors affecting the association of agricultural extension officers with farmers are regular meetings, demand for services and productivity, and the adoption rate of technology. Notably, approaches based on information communication technology indicators include owning cell phones; further, having radio access significantly affects agricultural practices. However, the role of gender, access to credit, and owning a television would influence food safety and nutrition.ConclusionsUnderstanding the critical determinants will provide potential solutions to national agricultural research institutes, private research entities, and policymakers to scale-up the effectiveness of agricultural extension services, particularly in Ghana and Zambia.
Highlights
In this study, we present the current situation and the role of agricultural extension services for farmers and indicates the potential solutions for the optimum effectiveness of these services
Research framework In this study, we focus on the descriptive assessment of the effectiveness of agricultural extension services that have been less emphasized in previous studies
Descriptive indicators In Ghana, the results show that 74% were male and 26% were female respondents (n = 120)
Summary
We present the current situation and the role of agricultural extension services for farmers and indicates the potential solutions for the optimum effectiveness of these services. Agricultural extension is a significant determinant that helps agricultural value chain actors such as farmers increase agricultural productivity, thereby improving income, alleviating poverty and enhancing food security. Empirical studies have shown that agricultural extension training is significant in agronomic practices, diet diversification and nutrition [9], sustainable agriculture [10], achieving sustainable development goals 1 (no poverty) and 2 (zero hunger) [11, 12], improving food security [12], and adopting advanced technologies [13]. The provision of agricultural services must adapt to the changing social, economic, and environmental indicators affecting the entire food system from production to consumption [6,7,8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
