Agricultural Extension Services Research Articles

Family Planning, Irrigation, and Agricultural Cooperatives for Sustainable Food Security in Kenya

Rapid population growth causes smallholders to practice unsustainable forms of land intensification to meet increasing food demand. Food insecurity is exacerbated by unreliable rainfall. We revisit family planning, smallholder irrigation, and agricultural cooperatives as potential sustainable solutions. We use primary data from Kakamega Central and Navakholo in Kenya. Results from respondents indicate 83% had no family planning information, while 82% had no access to irrigation. The main reasons are poverty, illiteracy, misconceptions, gender inequality, and constraints in accessing credit, lack of investment in water resources, and lack of family planning. Lack of access to agricultural extension services limits the adoption of sustainable farming practices. Cooperatives’ principles and values make them suitable pathways to reach the poorest and facilitate members’ access to productive resources. Cooperatives can be used to train members in sustainable agricultural practices and educate members on family planning issues. Descriptive statistics and econometric regression results suggest that cooperatives have contributed to better yields, incomes, nutritional status, and reduced poverty. However, they are constrained by a lack of capital, credit, infrastructure, markets, training and technology, delayed payment, and low prices. Governments and development agencies should support the establishment and development of cooperatives with capacity building, market infrastructure, finance, and education in cooperative principles and values.

Assessing Climate Change Perceptions and Adaptation Strategies among Sesame Farmers in Yobe State, Nigeria

The study was conducted on sesame farmers' perception of climate change on sesame production in Bade Local Government Area of Yobe State, Nigeria. A sample of 125 farmers was selected for the study. Data was collected on the socioeconomic characteristics of the farmers, their perception of climate change, sources of information, their adoption of adaptation strategies, and their constraints on sesame production. Descriptive statistics such as means, percentages and Likert scale were used to analyze the data. The results show that male farmers (80.0%) dominated sesame production. The mean age was 35.03 years, and most (64.0%) farmers were married. Most (56.8%) respondents had an unfavorable perception of climate change. The primary source of information on climate change was other farmers (86.4%). Most (52.8%) respondents had a low adoption of climate change adaptation strategies. The majority (53.6%) of the respondents faced high constraints to sesame production. It was recommended that agricultural extension services be revived to disseminate climate change information to sesame farmers so as to improve their control measures to climate change with the view to enhance sesame production.

Heterogeneous impact of crop diversification on farm net returns and risk exposure: Empirical evidence from Ghana

AbstractIncreasing frequency of extreme weather events threatens the livelihoods of low‐income farm households due to the heavy dependence on rain‐fed agriculture coupled with the under‐developed formal markets for risk management products. Thus, crop diversification is one of the widely used ex ante adaptation strategies to hedge against weather risk exposure. In this study, we use survey data from the northern Savanna zone of Ghana merged with historical weather data to shed light on the heterogeneous impact of crop diversification on farm net returns and risk exposure. We employ the dose response function and instrumental variable techniques to address potential endogeneity concerns. Overall, our findings show that crop diversification is a welfare‐enhancing strategy that significantly increases farm net returns, lowers the probability of crop failure, and thus decreases downside risk exposure. Notably, our dose‐response function analysis demonstrates that the positive benefits of crop diversification are particularly pronounced at lower intensities, reaching an optimal threshold. Beyond this point, the incremental advantages tend to diminish, suggesting the importance of carefully considering the optimal level of diversification for maximum benefits. The results further underscore the significant impact of both access to agricultural extension services and fertilizer usage on the adoption of crop diversification.

Integrating Water Management Practices with Modern Irrigation Technologies in Aalo, West Siang District, Arunachal Pradesh

This research addresses the imperative of harmonizing traditional water management practices with contemporary irrigation technologies to ensure sustainable water use in Aalo, West Siang District, Arunachal Pradesh. Given the pressing need to optimize water resources for agricultural pursuits while upholding environmental integrity and socio-economic progress, a multidisciplinary methodology is employed. Aalo faces multifaceted challenges such as water scarcity, erratic rainfall patterns, and escalating agricultural demands. While traditional water management methods have historically upheld agricultural livelihoods, the advent of modern irrigation technologies presents promising avenues for bolstering water efficiency, crop productivity, and sustainable development. Through a mixed-methods approach, including quantitative analysis, qualitative assessments, and participatory research methods, the study endeavors to comprehensively understand water management practices and irrigation technologies in Aalo. Surveys, interviews, and field observations will facilitate the assessment of traditional water management systems' efficacy in mitigating water scarcity and supporting agricultural productivity. Concurrently, the study will evaluate the adoption and impact of modern irrigation technologies on water use efficiency, crop yields, and socio-economic indicators in the region. Anticipated findings are poised to unveil synergies and prospects for integrating traditional wisdom with modern irrigation practices to fortify sustainability and resilience in water management. Consequently, the study will offer actionable recommendations targeted at policymakers, agricultural extension services, and local communities. These recommendations encompass preserving traditional water management systems, promoting the uptake of modern irrigation technologies, fostering knowledge exchange, capacity-building initiatives, and nurturing community engagement in water management endeavors. Through these initiatives, the research aims to foster a holistic approach towards sustainable water management practices in Aalo, poised at the nexus of traditional knowledge and contemporary innovation.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as Tool by Agricultural Extension Agents in Osun State, Nigeria

This study assessed the factors influencing utilization of information communication technology (ICT) in agricultural extension service delivery in Osun state. A total of 175 respondents were considered (extension agents = 155, supervisors = 20). The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage). The result from the research revealed that majority (80% and 90%) of respondents were male and are married respectively, while 87% are within the age range of 30 – 49 years. The family size of majority of the extension workers are within 4 – 6 members. While 61.7% of the respondents had B.sc/B.A, a handful (23.4%) had HND with few (14.9%) ND certificate holders. Their annual salaries range from N300,000 - N600,000 and majority (85%) of the extension workers do not belong to any agricultural association. Radio and Television (100%) were the ICTs most aware of among the extension workers followed by telephone (98.9%).

Does Farmers’ Cognition Enhance Their Enthusiasm for Adopting Sustainable Digital Agricultural Extension Services? Evidence from Rural China

The service model of digital agricultural technology extension, as a novel and sustainable approach, plays a pivotal role in facilitating the digital transformation of farmers’ agricultural practices. Leveraging survey data from 1475 farmers in China, the study employed a multivariate ordered logit model to investigate the relationship between farmers’ cognition and enthusiasm to adopt digital agricultural extension services. The findings revealed that subjective and objective cognitions positively influence farmers’ enthusiasm for adopting digital agricultural extension services. Furthermore, policy incentives, as a significant regulatory factor, effectively influence farmers’ cognition levels and enthusiasm to adopt digital agricultural extension services. Additionally, female respondents, farmers with higher educational levels, and membership in agricultural cooperatives all facilitate the adoption of these services. This study not only enriches the theoretical framework for agricultural technology promotion, aiding in the understanding of farmers’ decision-making processes when adopting digital agricultural extension services, but also provides a deeper insight into the role of digital agricultural technologies in promoting sustainable agricultural development, offering scientific evidence for relevant policy formulation and implementation.

Factors influencing small holder farmers adoption of climate SMART agriculture practices in Welmera Woreda, Central Ethiopia

Adoption of climate-smart agriculture practices are believed to have significantly lessened the devastating impact of climate change on agriculture. However, in countries like Ethiopia, the adoption and use level of climate-smart agriculture practices remains low. The understanding of farmers’ levels of CSA practice adoption and influencing factors is therefore crucial. The goal of the study is to evaluate the degree to which various CSA practices were being used in the study area, as well as adoption determinants. The study was conducted in Welmera district, Oromia, Ethiopia. Three kebeles were chosen from the district, and a random sample of 306 farmers was picked. We used a cross-sectional household survey, a focus group discussion, and interviews with key informants. A multivariate probit model was employed to investigate the factors influencing the adoption of multiple climate-smart agriculture practices. According to the result, conservation agriculture, integrated soil fertility management, and crop diversification are the most often used CSA practices. The results also revealed that male farmers outperformed female farmers in terms of crop diversity and improved animal feed and feeding practice adoption. The age of farmers has a considerable and unfavorable impact on their likelihood of adopting improved soil fertility management and crop diversification practices. However, it has a positive and considerable impact on the adoption of agroforestry practices. With regards to economic factors, having a relatively big farmland area considerably enhances the adoption of conservation agriculture, enhances soil fertility management and crop diversity, and improves livestock feed and feeding methods and post-harvest technology practice. Improved livestock feed and feeding are more likely to be used with higher farm income. Having a significant number of animals strongly promotes the adoption of conservation agriculture, and access to financial services positively impacts agroforestry, diversification of crops, and postharvest technology practice adoption. Furthermore, institutional factors including access to agricultural extension services and training were discovered to be important and beneficial for crop diversification; similarly, access to field day participation was discovered to have a significant and positive impact on the adoption of conservation agriculture and improved soil fertility management practices. It is critical to raise awareness about climate change among farmers and experts, as well as to incorporate location-specific CSA practices into agricultural programs.

Drivers of Urban Agriculture and their Influence on the Socio-Economic Status of the Urban Farmers in Uganda, A Case Study of Kampala and Mbarara Cities

The study analyzed the influence of forms and drivers of urban Agriculture on the socio-economic status of the farmers in Kampala and Mbarara Cities. The specific objective of the study was to examine the influence drivers of urban agriculture on the socio-economic status of farmers. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design using multiple data collection methods. A multistage cluster sampling technique involving simple random sampling to get both primary and secondary sampling units, snowball to get target respondents and purposive sampling for key informants and focus group members was used. Data were collected using social survey questionnaires for households, focus group discussions checklist (FGDs), key informant interview guides and observations, from a sample of 384 respondents. The study found a strong association between drivers of UA and the socioeconomic status of the urban farmers in Kampala and Mbarara Cities. Household socio-economic status has substantially correlated with the drivers of the urban farmers and out of 9 items considered only 5 was significant which include access to capital (x2 = 1.175, p< 0.047), access to agriculture extension services (x2 = 3.634, p< 0.026), access to financial grants (x2 = 5.190, p<0.001), access to markets (x2 = 6.993, p< 0.001), value addition(x2 = 3.718, p<0.014). The study confirmed a significant relationship between drivers of urban agriculture and the socio-economic status of urban farmers. Urban agriculture drivers like access to capital and financial grants, nature of market access and value addition had a significant influence on household socio-economic status.

Adoption of Sustainable Farming Practices in the United States: A Study on Farmer Behavior

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the adoption of sustainable farming practices in the United States: a study on farmer behavior. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study on the adoption of sustainable farming practices in the United States revealed that a significant number of farmers are increasingly adopting methods such as crop rotation, organic farming, and reduced use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers, motivated by environmental concerns and economic incentives. However, barriers to adoption include the high initial costs and perceived risk of lower yields, which deter some farmers from fully committing to sustainable practices. Despite these challenges, there is a growing trend towards sustainability, supported by governmental incentives and an increasing market demand for organically produced goods. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Diffusion of innovations theory, theory of planned behavior (TPB) & social cognitive theory (SCT) may be used to anchor future studies on analyze adoption of sustainable farming practices in the United States: a study on farmer behavior. Agricultural extension services should develop specialized programs that focus on the practical benefits of sustainable practices, tailored to specific farming contexts and crops. Governments should consider offering financial incentives, such as subsidies or tax breaks, for farmers who adopt and maintain sustainable practices.

EFFECTIVENESS OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICES IN REDUCING POVERTY AMONG FISH FARMERS IN THE COASTAL REGION OF ONDO STATE, NIGERIA

Agricultural development is the foundation for economic growth and provides a primary means of food security, employment generation, and poverty reduction for Nigerians. These are also the very reasons motivating successive incumbent governments of Nigeria to initiate one type of agricultural intervention program or another to generate employment, attain food security, and aid in poverty reduction. The study assesses the effectiveness of agricultural extension services in reducing poverty among fish farmers in the coastal region of Ondo State, Nigeria. A well-structured interview schedule was used to collect data from the respondents and simple random sampling technique was used in selecting 80 respondents. Data collected was analyzed using frequency counts and percentage while Chi-square and Pearson product moment correlation was used for testing the hypotheses. Results of the socioeconomic characteristics show that more than half (58.7%) of the respondents were adults, male (68.7%), married (78.8%), literate (92.5%), having household size of <7 members (92.5%), earned an annual income of <#1,000,000 (73.7%), and having fish farming experience of <5 years (41.2%). Further analysis shows that catfish is mostly farmed by the respondents in the study area (72.5%), belong to one social group or the other (52.5%), and have access to agricultural extension agents (100%). Similarly, the study findings shows that all the respondents (100%) have access to all the different types of services rendered and the different types of agricultural extension services were rendered to the fish farmers which include technology transfer (93%), information and support services (90%), food safety and quality (89%), marketing and distribution (75%), sustainable fisheries (88%), credit and finance (96%), safety measures (100%), training to fish farmers (97%), input supply (88%), and technical expertise (92%). Furthermore, the types of agricultural extension services utilized by the fish farmers include information and support services (100%), food safety and quality (100%), credit and finance (100%), safety measures (100%), input supply (85%), and technical expertise (100%). Types of constraints militating effective utilization of agricultural extension service rendered identified by the fish farmers include weak linkages of research and training centers with extension workers and users (82%), lack of properly qualified/trained extension personal (100%), inadequate number of grass root workers (98%), lack of clear extension strategies (85%), emphasis on welfare than development (88%), much emphasis on technology than its transfer to end users (75%), inadequate infrastructure facilities (80%), and of the respondents and lack of incentives for field staff (100%). There was positive and significant relationships between respondents’ age (r=0.532; p≤0.05), number of years spent schooling (r=0.589; p≤0.05), household size (r=0.117; p≤0.05), annual income (r=0.515; p≤0.05), fish farming experience, (r=0.146; p≤0.05), and effectiveness of agricultural extension services in reducing poverty. The study recommended that more qualified/trained extension personnel should be employed and adequate incentives should be made available to the field staff.

Gender Gap in Agricultural Productivity: A Case Study of Smallholder Farmers in Busia County Kenya

Purpose: The study aimed at determining the gender gap in agricultural productivity: A case of Smallholder Farmers in Busia Kenya. Methodology: The research employed a correlational research approach, utilizing multistage sampling to choose 384 participants from seven sub-counties within the study region. Data collection utilized structured questionnaires, and analysis was conducted on quantitative data using descriptive statistics and inferential methods with STATA version 17. The findings were presented using tables and figures. Findings: The study revealed a statistically significant gender gap in agricultural productivity in Busia-County at the expense of female farmers. Specifically in Teso North, gender gap was -0.43 with a p-value of 0.049, in Teso south, gender gap was -0.63 with a p-value of 0.040, in Bunyala, gender gap was -0.67 with a p-value of 0.035, in Butula, gender gap was -0.47 with a p-value of 0.002, in Matayos, gender gap was -0.72 with a p-value of 0.041, in Nambale, gender gap was -0.64 with a p-value of 0.041 and In Samia, gender gap was -0.67 with a p-value of 0.036. It was concluded that female farmers are less productive than male farmers in Busia County Kenya. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Drawing from production theory, and social feminist theory, the study investigated the relationship between productivity and gender among smallholder farmers. To address the gender gap in agricultural productivity, it is recommended that policymakers, agricultural extension services, and other stakeholders advocate for gender-inclusive agricultural development initiatives in the area.

Erroneous Classification of Brassica juncea L. in South African Studies: Consequences for Agricultural Extension Services

Agricultural extension services play a crucial role by providing expert guidance on enhancing production and processing and facilitating the dissemination of knowledge and scientific findings into practical use. For this reason, researchers must generate accurate information for agricultural extension officers to relay to the ultimate beneficiaries - the farmers. In this paper, we highlight an instance of misidentification by researchers about one of South Africa's extensively researched vegetables, Brassica juncea L. Due to its broad adaptability, this crop has been the focus of numerous South African studies aimed at maximising its production for resource-poor farmers. Regrettably, the accumulated research on B. juncea reveals a prevalent issue of inconsistent naming and classification, leading to confusion with Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa subs. chinensis). Such inaccurate species identification fosters a disjointed body of knowledge, potentially generating conflicting results and thereby restricting the applicability of the research findings to farmers and other stakeholders. This literature review examines 20 years of South African research to guide future studies and extension efforts on B. juncea. It underscores the necessity for accurate species identification and nomenclature, thereby enhancing the reproducibility and relevance of research outputs.

An Analysis of Challenges Facing Smallholder Crop Farmers and Informal Food Traders in the Agri-Food Value Chain in Gauteng Province, South Africa

The study's main objective was to investigate the challenges faced by smallholder crop farmers and informal food traders in the agri-food value chain in Gauteng province. A sample of 32 smallholder crop farmers and 32 informal food traders was gathered using questionnaire surveys. The different challenges identified have negatively influenced the progress and development of these actors. For example, COVID-19 lockdown regulations have destroyed the trading jobs of informal food traders, directly affecting smallholder crop farmers' income. This was because informal food traders were identified as the major customers for smallholder crop farmers, as indicated by the study data. Other challenges faced by smallholder crop farmers included a small amount of arable land, lack of grower schemes, regulatory barriers, lack of agricultural management skills and extension services, and lack of credit facilities and resources. As part of the recommendations for the smallholder crop farmers, it was proposed that the Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development should improve policies on the reaction and management of shocks like COVID-19 in the economy to protect the vulnerable groups in society. Additional recommendations included addressing gender disparity in the smallholder crop farming sector as males dominated the agricultural sector; introducing easy eligibility criteria for micro-loan applications by DFIs to enable smallholder crop farmers to access loans; and the proposal for extensive arable land to aid smallholder crop farmers to expand and grow in their business trajectory. For the informal food traders, it was recommended that the municipal authority improve the by-laws that govern how informal food traders are treated.

Determinants of Smallholder Farmers' Awareness of Crop Insurance in Kedah, Malaysia

Agriculture is a major source of income for humans and has become an agro-food commodity. However, this industry is vulnerable to a wide range of dangers, including climate change, natural disasters, illnesses, and pests. Crop insurance is not a new concept in advanced economies since it has been recognized as an efficient instrument for mitigating agricultural risks and encouraging farmers to employ modern technology and innovation. This research investigates the determinants of smallholder farmers' awareness of crop insurance in the agricultural landscape of Kedah, Malaysia. Therefore, this study examines the relationship between knowledge, risk attitude and farm size on the farmers' awareness of crop insurance. The study, based on a sample of 100 farmers, utilizes a non-probability sampling technique to collect data through structured questionnaires. The research employs reliability analysis, correlation analysis, and regression analysis to evaluate the raw data and uncover the factors influencing farmers' awareness of crop insurance. The study conclusion shows a strong correlation between farmers' knowledge levels and farm size as important indicators of crop insurance awareness. The analysis emphasizes how crucial it is to increase farmers' understanding through focused educational programs and customized awareness campaigns that take farm size dynamics into account. Policymakers and agricultural extension services can enable smallholder farmers to make well-informed decisions about using crop insurance as a strategy to manage agricultural risks and guarantee financial stability by making information and resources easily accessible.

The Provision of Agricultural Extension Services to Rural Farmers as a Strategy to Improve Agricultural Practices in South Africa

The government of South Africa has shown a commitment to providing extensive support to farmers by providing agricultural extension services. This qualitative study on providing agricultural extension services to rural farmers to improve agricultural productivity was conducted in Msinga Local Municipality. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. Participants were sampled purposively, and data was analysed using content analysis. The agricultural extension officers played an important role in helping farmers with the provision of extension services, including seeds, manure, and the implementation of irrigation schemes and farm fencing. The extension services also included training and assisting farmers with vaccinating crops and livestock to protect them from diseases. Rural farmers were unable to attend training sessions and meetings organised by extension officers, and this has turned out to be a problem since farmers lack knowledge of farming methods and available information on possible financial assistance. There is a need to establish agricultural cooperatives that will liaise with agricultural extension officers and be able to communicate with other farmers when the officials are planning to meet with them for the provision of extension services.

Contribution of Livestock Farming to Environmental Pollution in China

Purpose: The aim of the study was to examine contribution of livestock farming to environmental pollution in China. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study found that livestock farming in China significantly contributes to environmental pollution, posing substantial challenges to water, air, and soil quality. Intensive livestock operations, characterized by concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), generate large quantities of animal waste containing nutrients and pathogens that contaminate water bodies. Additionally, livestock farming contributes to air pollution through emissions of ammonia and other pollutants, particularly in areas with intensive farming practices. Soil degradation and nutrient imbalance further exacerbate environmental degradation, with higher livestock densities associated with increased soil compaction and nutrient runoff. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Tragedy of the Commons & Ecological Modernization Theory may be used to anchor future studies on contribution of livestock farming to environmental pollution in China. Promote the adoption of sustainable livestock management practices through capacity building, training, and extension services for farmers. Encourage the implementation of integrated farming systems that optimize resource use, minimize waste generation, and enhance environmental resilience. Strengthen regulatory frameworks and enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with environmental standards and promote responsible livestock production. Implement stringent measures to control water pollution from livestock waste, including mandatory wastewater treatment and monitoring programs.

A Review on Economic Implications of Nigeria’s Border Closure on Rice Importation

Nigeria’s border closure on rice importation has significant economic implications that require comprehensive analysis. Policymakers must consider both the short-term and long-term effects, as well as broader socioeconomic factors. Balancing economic considerations with employment, food security, and regional disparities is crucial for inclusive and sustainable development. By adopting a holistic approach, Nigeria can navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the border closure, achieve self-sufficiency in rice production, and promote the well-being of its citizens. Gradually phasing out the border closure while enhancing the competitiveness of local rice producers through incentives and support will ensure market efficiency. Investing in agricultural research, extension services, and infrastructure development will improve productivity and quality. Strengthening border control mechanisms will prevent smuggling. To sustain regional economic partnerships, it is critical to collaborate with neighboring countries. Nigeria's border barrier for rice imports presents numerous obstacles and opportunities. Nigeria has the power to attain rice self-sufficiency and promote all-encompassing and sustainable development by implementing a comprehensive strategy that successfully balances economic considerations with broader social factors. This includes gradually phasing out the border closure while enhancing the competitiveness of local rice producers, investing in agricultural research and infrastructure development, strengthening border control mechanisms to prevent smuggling, and collaborating with neighboring countries to maintain regional trade relationships.

Adoption of Management Tools by Farmers in the Context of Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services in Menoua Division, West Cameroon

Aims: This study aims to analyze the challenges under the adoption of management tools provided by the Programme for the Consolidation and Sustainability of Agro-pastoral Counselling (PCP-ACEFA) to farmers in the Menoua Division.
 Methodology: 60 farmers were surveyed using a stratified random sampling technic and 5 advisors were interviewed. The data were processed and analyzed with Excel 2013 and SPSS software version 20.
 Results: Results shows that a variety of management tools are available to farmers in the Menoua division. The calculation of gross margin (utilization rate 62.96%), Balance sheet (utilization rate 60%) are the most widely used, especially for farms generating large financial flows. Concerning the factors influencing the adoption of management tools, the study revealed several categories: social, economic and institutional. Social factors, for example with the level of education, show that those who adopt the most (50%) have at least secondary education. Furthermore, with the help of the advisors, farmers who adopted these tools have been experiencing changes in their activities as they can now evaluate their activities to know their economic performances which will further permit them to make better decisions. The study also shows that farmers faced difficulties in adopting the use of management tools and it is mostly (33, 33%) due to a lack of finance to expand their exploitation and Implementation difficulties (20.8%). Concerning strategies for a better adoption of tools, farmers mostly propose that the program help increasing their farm size by financing their activities and simplification of tools to the least level that everyone can use.
 Conclusion: The recommendations formulated at the end of this study are to increase farmers' awareness and training in the use of management tools to guarantee good yields on their farms.

Effect of input subsidies and extension services: Evidence from rice productivity in Bangladesh

This study examines the effect of agricultural input subsidy cards and extension services on Bangladesh’s rice productivity, using plot level panel data from three waves (2011–2019) of the Bangladesh Integrated Household Survey. To control for endogeneity of the two programs, instrumental variable and control function approaches are used. Findings reveal that access to input subsidy cards and extension services raise productivity in rice-planted plots by nearly 20% and 22%, respectively. Further, the channels and type of advisory services matter. Finally, access to input subsidy cards and extension services is more beneficial in areas prone to droughts and excessive rainfall. These findings underscore the value of complementary investments in robust extension systems, especially in vulnerable regions, to optimize the performance of input subsidy programs. Expanded extension services coupled with input subsidies can be an effective policy mix to raise productivity, strengthen climate resilience, and promote inclusive agricultural growth in Bangladesh.

Investigating the Impact of the Central Agricultural Research Institute's (CARI) Agricultural Extension Services on the Productivity and Livelihoods of Farmers in Bong County, Liberia, from 2013 to 2017

In Liberia, a country where agriculture plays a pivotal role in socio-economic development and food security, the effectiveness of agricultural extension services remains crucial yet underexplored, especially in the context of transitioning from subsistence to commercial agriculture. This study focuses on assessing the Central Agricultural Research Institute's (CARI) agricultural extension services' impact on the agricultural productivity and livelihoods of farmers in Suakoko, Jorquelleh, and Yealliquelleh districts of Bong County, from 2013 to 2017. The objectives were to evaluate the accessibility and adoption of agricultural innovations disseminated by CARI and analyze the effectiveness of its extension delivery methods. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research yielded significant findings: 54.1% of respondents were male, indicating a gender disparity in agricultural engagement. The adoption of new technologies and practices was varied, with 43.3% of farmers reporting access to new fertilizer application methods as the most prominent innovation provided by CARI. Despite the extension efforts, 68.8% of farmers did not receive visits from CARI agents, and a considerable 50% reported no access to new innovations or technologies. The study also highlighted a distinct preference for learning through demonstrations (73.7%) and meetings (25%), underscoring the demand for practical and interactive extension services.