Farmers' experiences and perceptions of the NAADS Agricultural Extension System/Program in Kabale district, Uganda

Abstract

Agricultural knowledge and information play a major role in agricultural development, particularly in food production in Uganda. One of the influential extension approaches used for the past decades has been extension-centered approach which focused more on improving efficiency in agricultural production rather than the educational process. The new National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) extension program has emphasized a farmer -centered approach. The purpose of the study was to explore the farmers’ experiences and perceptions of the NAADS agricultural extension systems/program in Kabale district, Uganda. The study addressed two main research questions: (1) What are the perceptions of farmers regarding the NAADS information delivery approach; and (2) What is the level of farmers’ comprehension and the extent to which they have applied the skills and new technologies learned from education extension programs. Qualitative design through interviews from selected farmers was applied to gain information regarding farmers’ experiences and perceptions of the NAADS Agricultural Extension Program in four sub-counties of Kabale district: Bukinda, Bubare, Kyanamira and Rubaya. An analysis of NAADS program documents was also carried out to gather data for the study. Results from the study indicated that learning in small groups provided farmers an opportunity to brainstorm, analyze, and identify their farming needs and priorities. Although NAADS enabled farmers to participate in an enterprise (crop) selection, the process was perceived by the farmers as more of a popular participation rather than helping them articulate their actual needs and prioritize them. Recommendations were made to provide a