Agricultural Extension Services Research Articles

CONTACT FARMERS AND EXTENSION PERSONNEL PERCEPTIONS OF CONSTRAINTS TO EFFECTIVENESS OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICES DELIVERY IN ONDO STATE, NIGERIA

This research was conducted to investigate contact farmers’ and extension personnel perceptions of constraints to effectiveness of agricultural extension service delivery in Ondo State, Nigeria. One hundred (100) contact farmers and twenty (20) extension agents were selected using simple random sampling technique. The data collected were subjected to descriptive and inferential analyses. The study found that majority (76%) of the farmers and all the extension agents (100%) indicated that agricultural extension services assisted in training farmers on improved farming techniques. The majority (97%) of the farmers and extension agents (95%) agreed that lack of motivation of extension personnel constrains the effectiveness of extension services. The major constraints to effectiveness of extension service by contact farmers include inadequate training of extension personnel (x̅ = 1.86), lack of trust in extension agent (x̅ = 1.65), low literacy rate (x̅ =1.56) and limited access to information and technology (x̅ =1.53) while the major constraints identified by the extension officers include high input cost, lack of trust in extension agents and inadequate training of extension personnel all with a x̅ of 2.0 and within the mean response x̅ (2.0). The results of the hypothesis tests shows that there is a significant relationship between contact farmers’ and extension personnel’s constraints to effectiveness of agricultural extension services as the variables are positively correlated (r= 0.678, P<0.05). Majority of the contact farmers suggested the following as solutions to constraints to effectiveness of agricultural extension services; Agricultural extension centers should be equipped with instructional materials for disseminating agricultural information or new innovations (x̅ =1.26), Employment of more extension personnel to improve the effectiveness of extension service delivery (x̅ =1.20), Farmers should be ready to work with the extension personnel and accept the services provided to them (x̅ =1.18). The study recommends that more extension personnel should be employed and fortified with necessary equipment and facilities to enhance effective dissemination of information for the transformation of agriculture in the state. Proper planning of extension programmes should be made before being implemented to identify and tailor it to the needs of the farmers.

A Comprehensive Review of Modern Technologies for Climate Resilient Agriculture

This review looks at how Indian agriculture and adaptation tactics are affected by climate change. Due to human activity, climate change is causing problems including extreme weather occurrences and rising temperatures. Increased temperatures have the potential to cause heat stress in crops, which lowers yields and results in lower-quality produce. Farmers employ climate-resilient crop development and planting date adjustments as adaptation strategies. Variable or irregular rainfall patterns can lead to drought conditions, which can dry out farmlands and result in crop failures. However, floods brought on by too much rain can harm crops and soil and cause disruptions to agricultural activities, particularly during the monsoon season. Initiatives for precision farming, urban food production, and soil conservation all support resource recycling and food security. Efficient water management and better irrigation are necessary to address water scarcity. The number of agricultural pests is impacted by climate change, endangering the world's food supply. Numerous adaptation tactics are used, such as socioeconomic initiatives, resource-conservation technologies, and traditional behaviours. Precision farming and other climate-smart agricultural technology boost resilience and yields. Regional appropriateness, economic feasibility, and group execution are all necessary for success. Agriculture is subject to climatic, economic, and policy risks in a complex socio-ecological system. Climate-smart agriculture methods that are site-specific are essential for the resilience and food security of smallholders. Adoption of these technologies can be aided by publicly offered agricultural extension services, but obstacles like budgetary limitations and cultural considerations need to be taken into account. This assessment highlights the necessity of comprehensive, context-specific strategies to address climate change vulnerabilities in Indian agriculture and guarantee a sustainable future for smallholder livelihoods and food production.

Assessment on the Job Competence of Extension Personnel Working in Agricultural Extension Service Systems in Telangana

The main concern in human resource development in agricultural extension service systems is enhancing the performance of extension personnel. To improve their competence and effectiveness, it is essential to identify the key factors influencing their performance, along with assessing their level of job competence. The paper focuses on the job competence of extension personnel in three extension service systems in Telangana i.e., Public, Private and NGO extension service systems. Ex-post facto research design was adopted for the study with a total sample of one hundred and twenty-six extension personnel. From the analysis, it was found that majority of extension personnel from public extension service system i.e. 54.90 per cent of extension personnel had medium level of job competence, followed by high (25.50%) and low (19.60%) levels of job competence. Majority of extension personnel from private extension service system i.e. 46.66 per cent of extension personnel had medium level of job competence, followed by low (31.11%) and high (22.23%) levels of job competence. Majority of extension personnel from NGO extension service system i.e. 43.33 per cent had medium level of job competence, followed by low (30.00%) and high (26.67%) level of job competence. A unified training program module should be designed for extension personnel across all three extension service systems to improve the job competence of all stakeholders.

Mediating Effect of Technology Adoption: Agricultural Extension Services Enhances Sustainability of Smallholder Tea Farmers in Sri Lanka

This study examined the role of agricultural extension services in promoting sustainability among smallholder tea farms in Sri Lanka through technology adoption. Using the Innovation Diffusion Theory (IDT) and Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), it explored how extension services influenced farmers' technology adoption and sustainability practices. Data were collected from 452 smallholder tea farmers in Kandy and Badulla districts using a structured questionnaire. The analysis, conducted via PLS-SEM, revealed that extension services significantly enhanced technology adoption, positively impacting farm sustainability. Findings confirmed that technology adoption mediated the relationship between extension services and sustainability, improving productivity, environmental practices, and social outcomes. The study emphasized a comprehensive sustainability approach integrating extension services, social factors, and economic support. Key recommendations included increasing investment in extension services, addressing financial constraints, and expanding training and resource access. Policymakers and practitioners should strategically support technology adoption initiatives to enhance sustainability in Sri Lanka’s smallholder tea sector. Focused extension programs and novel approaches, such as farmer organizations and farmer field schools, should be developed to promote sustainable tea technologies. Strengthening extension services is crucial for the sector’s long-term viability. Investments in extension services, educational campaigns, and financial support systems will encourage technology adoption, leading to increased productivity, higher incomes, and sustainable growth for smallholder tea farmers in Sri Lanka.

Utilization of social media in accessing agricultural information among poultry farmers in delta north agricultural zone, Nigeria: Implication for agricultural extension service delivery

The study looked at how poultry producers in Delta North agricultural zone, Nigeria used social media to access agricultural information. 128 respondents were chosen by simple random sampling (poultry farmers). A standardized questionnaire and interview schedule were used to gather data. The information gathered included details about the socioeconomic traits of chicken producers, their usage of social media sites, and the barriers and enablers to their use of these platforms. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Of the respondents, 39.10% were women while the majority, 60.90%, are men. 43 years old was the average age that was noted approximately 59.17% of those surveyed. Household size, farm size, and monthly income were 7 persons, 2698 birds, and N162,500 respectively. Facebook, WhatsApp, and YouTube were shown to have significant levels of usage in the survey. Advertising, education, and the exchange of agricultural knowledge were the main drivers behind the use of social media. According to the hypothesis, there exists a significant association (p < 0.01) between the parameters that enable and restrict the use of social media and the usage level of poultry farmers. The main obstacles to social media use that were noted were high costs of data, inadequate power supply, and inadequate service from network providers. It was suggested that development organizations and Delta North agricultural extension service providers use social media to disseminate agricultural information and offer information that poultry farmers would find useful.

A Comparative Analysis of the Effects of the Agricultural Extension Services among Small-Scale Farmers in Mpulungu District, Zambia

In agriculture-oriented economies worldwide, agricultural extension services are influential in the crop productivity of small-scale farmers. In Zambia, despite the provision of extension services to small-scale farmers, some small-scale farmers have not felt their effects. Therefore, this study conducted a comparative analysis of the effects of the agricultural extension services on maize crop productivity of the 147 food security pack beneficiary households and 152 non-beneficiary households using a mixed methods design in the Mpulungu district of Zambia. The results revealed that the food security pack beneficiary and non-beneficiary households knew the extension services provided in the Mpulungu district. However, the extension workers concentrated more on the food security pack beneficiary households than the non-beneficiary households in the provision of extension services because they wanted the programme to succeed. The majority of the non-beneficiary households did not fully benefit from the agricultural extension services provided in Mpulungu district. The programme beneficiary households recorded higher maize crop productivity than the non-beneficiaries suggesting that the extension services had a positive effect. Challenges such as inadequate extension workers, lack of refresher training for extension workers and loss of trust in the extension system affected both groups. However, these challenges affected the non-beneficiary households more than the food security pack beneficiary households. The study concludes that extension services contribute to agricultural crop productivity. Therefore, the study recommends improvement in extension staffing levels, administrative support, in-service refresher training and capacity building of the extension workers. Also, the implementation of a universal extension service targeting strategy for small-scale farmers is recommended.

Fruitless or Fruitful? Examining Ghana's Agricultural Inputs Subsidy and Household Welfare

ABSTRACTThere are mixed accounts of the impact of government input subsidies on farmers welfare outcomes in the global south with political colorations, which often tend to exaggerate outcomes. Ghana's Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) programme phase 1, promised to be revolutionary in attaining the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)‐2 of ending hunger. However, the programme received criticisms with mixed sentiments within the political circle and policy arena, with scarce evidence in the extant literature. Using cross sectional data collected from 1107 maize farmers, we find that participating in the PFJ increases maize yield by 454.90 kg/ha, gross income by US$ 171.74 and per capita consumption by US$ 0.43. Our findings show that the adoption of only fertilizer increases maize yield significantly by 1609.2 kg/ha, gross maize income by $332, and improves per capita consumption significantly by $1.22. Participating in the PFJ programme is influenced by age, gender, marital status, education, farm size, credit, pests and diseases, market access, farm distance, radio, political affiliation, and the perception of timely supply of seeds and fertilizers. Our results suggest that adopting multiple combinations of packages remain financially viable. The choice of combinations of interventions is significantly influenced by socioeconomic and institutional factors. We suggest that agricultural extension and advisory services target efforts to address structural challenges relating to land ownership, credit access, market access, pests, and diseases to improve welfare outcomes. The study highlights the need to expand and sustain the PFJ programme to have a maximum impact on maize production, income generation, and household consumption.

Role of Agricultural Extension Services in Enhancing Farmers Income in Uganda

Role of Agricultural Extension Services in Enhancing Farmers Income in Uganda

Constraints Faced and Suggestions Made by the Cattle Rearers in Management of Milch Cattle during Transition Period

The study, conducted in 2023-24 in the Nashik district of Maharashtra, investigates the constraints faced and suggestions made by cattle rearers in management of milch cattle during transition period. The research was carried out in Sinnar tehsil of Nashik district, involving 120 cattle rearers from twelve villages, with data collected through personal interviews using a specially designed schedule. Statistical analysis revealed several significant constraints such as, high veterinary medicine costs, low milk rates, and high feed costs. Additionally, many respondents lacked sufficient information on proper management practices during the transition period. Other notable constraints included difficulties in identifying cattle diseases, high incidence of diseases during the transition period, distant veterinary hospitals and unavailability of government veterinary doctors, lack of knowledge about vaccination schedules and calf care, and inadequate veterinary services. To address these challenges, respondents suggested providing generic animal drugs in each circle, government regulation on milk adulteration and pricing of feed, medicines, and dairy equipment and on-farm demonstrations of improved management practices. Additional suggestions included linking dairy farmers with agricultural universities and institutions, strengthening agricultural extension services and imparting training.

The role of information and communication technologies-based extension in agriculture: application, opportunities and challenges

ABSTRACT Limited access to information about new technologies is a major barrier to agricultural productivity. To bridge this information gap, agricultural extension services increasingly use Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to provide timely and actionable information to farmers. This systematic review analyses evidence from 49 studies examining the impact of ICT interventions including mobile apps, SMS messaging, educational videos, and voice calling services on awareness, agricultural practices adoption, yields, and income. The review reveals that 76% of studies reported increased adoption of good agricultural practices, 60% demonstrated improved awareness, 74% indicated higher yields, and 68% observed enhanced incomes. Cereals, particularly maize, were the most studied crops, featuring in 52% of the studies. The success of the ICT interventions depends on well-designed messaging, adequate user training, and integration with complementary interventions. While ICTs demonstrate substantial potential to advance agricultural development outcomes, their success requires customization to local contexts, capacities, and cropping systems.

Perception of Socioeconomic Effect and Constraints of Artificial Intelligence (Agricultural Technology) Performance of Agricultural Extension Agent in Delta State, Nigeria

Artificial intelligence (AI) is taking over the different strata of life and industries, such as agriculture, to higher levels of productivity, efficiency, and decision-making with the use of smart technologies. This study evaluated the perceived socioeconomic impacts and challenges of AI on the productivity of agricultural extension agents in Delta State, Nigeria. The data was collected from 51 respondents through use of stratified random sampling technique and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings indicated that the majority of the extension agents saw AI as having both economic benefits and limitations. Perceived economic impacts formed the largest means of 2.89 where the respondents were most concerned with affordability with a mean of 3.14 and the redundancies that are expected to be witnessed with a mean of 2.55. Perceived barriers to AI integration mainly concerned restricted access to the internet (mean = 3.14) and lack of technical skills (mean = 3.12) with a grand mean of 2.86. From the study, it suggested that infrastructure, technical training, and policy intervention should be put in place to support AI usage in agricultural extension services.

“Analyzing the determinants of rural household welfare in Ethiopia: Does agricultural technology adoption matters”: Using seemingly unrelated multi-variate probit model”

Background This study analyzed the nexus between rural household welfare and agricultural technology adoption in Ethiopia using secondary data from the Ethiopian Socioeconomic Survey (ESS). The agricultural sector plays a pivotal role in Ethiopia’s economy, contributing significantly to income, consumption, and employment. This research aims to analyze how adopting agricultural technologies such as improved seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation affects poverty and food insecurity among rural households. The research examined poverty and food insecurity levels in Ethiopia and investigates the impact of adopting agricultural technologies on rural household welfare. Methods We used both Descriptive and econometric methods, in which descriptive analysis has been used to assess poverty and food insecurity levels, and a seemingly unrelated bivariate and multivariate probit model applied to analyze the effect of agricultural technology adoption. Result From descriptive summary, it is noted that out of a total sample of the study, 47.61% (2322 out of 4877) are adopting agricultural technologies in many forms more than 70% of female-headed households are food secured and non-poor and 68% of male-headed households are food secured and nun poor. The findings from regression model indicate that access to irrigation, improved seeds, and fertilizers significantly reduces the likelihood of poverty and food insecurity among rural households. Conclusion Based on these results, policy recommendations include promoting agricultural technologies, enhancing access to credit, investing in agricultural extension services, diversifying livelihoods, improving education, and implementing targeted poverty alleviation programs. Further research is encouraged to explore the reasons behind insignificant variables and to identify additional factors affecting rural household welfare in Ethiopia.

Decisions to Adapt Family Farms to Climate Change in Cameroon

ABSTRACTThe goal of this research is to identify the factors that explain family farm adaptation to climate change, as well as the complementarity between these various adaptation strategies. A multivariate probit model was used to analyse secondary data from 721 family farms. According to statistical analysis, 72% of farmers correctly perceive temperature increases over time and variations in rainfall as daily realities that must be incorporated into their farming practices. The most concerning phenomena are drought (52%), and flooding (34%). Econometric analysis reveals that the adaptation decision is explained by the farmer's experience, household size, farm size, religion, agroecological zone, producer cooperation, and credit facilities. Specifically, farm size had a positive and statistically significant effect on the likelihood of irrigating fields by 12.2% and using short‐duration seeds by 26.9%. Furthermore, there was a strong correlation between the different coping strategies, confirming the complementarity hypothesis. These findings imply that strengthening agricultural research and extension services, including farmer access to information, education, and training, is critical to the development of an effective climate change adaptation process.

Socioeconomic Factors Affecting Young Widows' Participation in Small-Scale Farming Activities in Mbeere South, Kenya

This study investigates the socioeconomic factors influencing young widows' participation in small-scale farming activities in Mbeere South, Kenya, using a qualitative research design. The paper explores the role of cultural, economic, and gender-related factors in shaping widows' involvement in agriculture, guided by frameworks such as the Gender and Development (GAD) Theory, Social Movement Theory (SMT), and Participation Theory. Document analysis was the primary method for data collection, drawing on academic studies, government reports, and NGO documents. The data were analyzed qualitatively through systematic coding and categorization to identify key themes related to widows' challenges and opportunities in farming. The sampling process was purposive, selecting documents that provided relevant insights into the socio-economic dynamics affecting widows. Sources included government agencies, NGOs working with widows, and academic studies focused on rural development and widow empowerment. The findings show that cultural barriers, such as patriarchal gender roles, inheritance laws, and social stigma, significantly hinder widows' involvement in farming. However, education plays a crucial role in empowering widows; those with higher education are more likely to adopt modern farming techniques, access financial resources, and engage in community initiatives. The study concludes that both cultural practices and education levels are critical determinants of young widows' participation in small-scale farming. The study recommends enhancing educational opportunities, expanding agricultural extension services, and implementing legal reforms to secure land rights and reduce cultural stigma, thereby improving widows' economic security and boosting their participation in farming.

Market Orientation in Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services Approaches: Experiences from Service Providers and Farmers in Central Malawi

Market Orientation in Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services Approaches: Experiences from Service Providers and Farmers in Central Malawi

Investigating the Influence of Agricultural Extension Service Providers (AESPS) on Building Inclusive Food Systems Through Underutilised Indigenous Foods Education: A Case Study

South Africa, a rich tapestry of diverse communities, is home to at least nine major ethnic groups (Zulu, Xhosa, Bapedi [North Sotho], Batswana, South Ndebele, Basotho [South Sotho], Venda, Tsonga, and Swati). Each group, deeply rooted in their culture and traditions, consumes a unique array of foods. Often considered indigenous, these foods are sourced from the wild and grown using traditional production techniques. The literature indicates indigenous foods have been a staple in many parts of the country for centuries. Although this study's findings are based on three districts in northern KwaZulu-Natal, similarities have been noted in previous studies conducted within and across regions, particularly in the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The research methodology involved using the Chi-square test method, a correlation analysis, and the computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software package Atlas. Ti. These methods were used to determine the existing relationship between extension services and the production of underutilised indigenous food crops (UIFCs). Theoretical findings then corroborated the statistical data. This research's findings imply that while several agricultural extension service providers (AESPs) advise on the production and utilisation of UIFCs, the inverse was true of others. Participants indicated that much of the knowledge passed to them mainly involved exotic vegetables such as Spinacia oleracea and Brassica oleracea and excluded local foods such as Bidens pilosa and Momordica foetida. One of the emerging themes was AESPs' invisibility in communities, which was found to be a contributing factor to non-inclusive food systems. Thus, the study contributes to the knowledge domain by outlining a need for AESPs' visibility in communities and accentuates opportunities that AESPs miss in not participating in building inclusive food systems. The paper concludes by recommending the inclusion of UIFCs in the continued professional development (CPD) of AESPs, wherein the significance of UIFCs would be enshrined.

BUILDING A DYNAMIC CROPPING TREND VISUALIZATION SOFTWARE TO ASSESS FARMING PROGRESSIVENESS

This thesis presents a comprehensive study that unfolds in two key dimensions. Firstly, a novel cropping trend visualization software was developed, aiming to provide a dynamic and insightful tool for assessing farming progressiveness. This software, a product of meticulous design and implementation, serves as an innovative instrument for visualizing and analyzing cropping trends in agriculture. In the second part of the study, the software was utilized to gather descriptive and inferential statistical data from a sample of 111 farmers. The data analysis reveals noteworthy correlations between specific agricultural practices and farming progressiveness. Key findings indicate significant positive associations between technology adoption, climate adaptation, crop variety diversity, and environmentally sustainable practices with higher levels of farming progressiveness. While certain trends exhibit statistical significance, caution is advised in drawing robust conclusions for factors with limited statistical support. These empirical insights provide a valuable foundation for policymakers, agricultural extension services, and stakeholders to strategically promote practices that enhance the overall progressiveness of farmers. The dual contribution of the developed software and the derived insights from its application underscores the significance of integrating technology in advancing sustainable and progressive agricultural practices.

An Overview of Pluralism in Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services

The agricultural sector in India has experienced significant changes over the years, creating new challenges amidst rapid population growth. To meet the increasing demand for food, enhancing agricultural production through diverse strategies is essential, with pluralistic approaches to Extension and Advisory Services (EAS) playing a critical role. EAS provides technical, organizational, business, and management support to farmers and vulnerable communities, helping to improve their socio-economic status. Pluralism within extension services involves multiple service providers from government, private, and civil society sectors working together to offer a variety of services by pooling resources, technology, and expertise. Public sector extension providers alone cannot meet the diverse needs of rural populations due to financial and operational limitations. The rise of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and private service providers has positively influenced the advisory sector by expanding the reach and quality of services. This study aims to explore the impact of pluralism on agricultural extension outcomes and provide evidence-based recommendations to strengthen the role of various stakeholders in delivering critical advisory services for sustainable agricultural development.

COMMUNICATION MODELS IN AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

This paper reviewed suitable communication models that bring about the changes in farmers’ behavior and farming practices for increase in the social economic status and livelihoods of farm families. The main focus of agricultural extension includes transferring knowledge from researchers, advising farmers on decision-making and educating farm families on how to make accurate decisions which will enable them clarify goals and stimulate desirable agricultural development. Disseminating innovations and technologies through extension education using various communication models involves agricultural and non-agricultural issues in the immediate environment and so the wellbeing of inhabitants in a particular area should be considered when using communication models. Advantages and disadvantages of these models are highlighted to show the relevance of communication models in agricultural extension and advisory services. The study highlights the implications of communication models in communicating agricultural and non-agricultural issues to farmers which is pertinent to agricultural productivity. It is recommended that competent extension agents properly trained in Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) extension approaches and the appropriate communication models educate farmers. Extension agents should also work with more contact farmers in various communities to have result oriented extension service delivery in Nigeria.

Role of Extension Service for Climate Change Adaptation in Agriculture: A Systematic Review for Developing Countries

Climate change poses significant challenges all over the world. Developing countries whose economic sector profoundly depends on agriculture are especially vulnerable to climate change. To face climate change impacts, adaptation is found to be one of the most important options. In the case of adaptation to climate change in the agricultural sector, extension service is a crucial actor. Therefore, this study explores the different roles agricultural extension services play in developing countries in climate change adaptation. This article follows a systematic literature review through the process of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The present study considered only peer Scopus-indexed journals published between 1996 and May 2024. Total (n=113) research articles are found initially based on the nature of the study and keywords. Total (n=68) articles were excluded primarily based on published language, Scopus-indexed research article, repeated article, geographical location, climate change adaptation, and role of extension service as a key focus of the study. Finally, (n=45) papers were taken for analysis. The synthesized result suggests that extension services mainly perform the following roles in climate change adaptation: i) raising awareness of climate change, ii) innovation dissemination, iii) information management, iv) production management, v) implementing policies and programs, vi) capacity development, vii) supply of input, and viii) liaison with existing climate change actors. Additional research should evaluate extension agents' barriers to achieving successful outcomes and their capacity-building needs in developing countries vulnerable to climate change. J Bangladesh Agril Univ 22(4): 490–496, 2024