Evaluation of Training &Visit and Participatory Agricultural Extension Approaches as Strategies to Improve on Women Livestock Farmers in the North West Region of Cameroon

Abstract

The focus of this study was to evaluate the Training and Visit approaches and Participatory approaches to agricultural extension as strategies to improve women livestock farmers in the Northwest Region of Cameroon. Primary data was collected through the use of structured questionnaires, observations, focus groups and interview guides. Secondary data were obtained from books, journals, research projects and scientific articles. Multistage sampling techniques were used to select the female livestock farmers for the study. Results from the study reveals that, the extension approaches mostly used were the Farmer Field School (37%) and participatory approach (47%) and Training and Visit approaches. Women practicing livestock farming had poor knowledge of extension services rendered that can help them improve on their activity. In addition, it was noted that the limit extension knowledge exist due to limited extension staff in the field. We realized that both T&V and Participatory approaches can be very effective in providing livestock information if necessary inputs are available to facilitate the work of extension agents in the field. We therefore encourage policy makers, educators to ensure that extension work should reach the rural areas including inputs and infrastructures that can permit workers work with ease.