Agricultural Extension System Research Articles

Enrolling advisers in governing privatised agricultural extension in Australia: challenges and opportunities for the research, development and extension system

ABSTRACTPurpose: Current developments in the Australian agricultural research, development and extension (RD&E) system exemplify the complex governance challenges arising from the international privatisation of agricultural extension. Presenting early challenges emerging from a multi-stakeholder project aimed at stimulating the role of the private advisory sector in the RD&E system, this paper contributes to understanding change dynamics in the RD&E system.Methodology: The project applies action research to assist reframing current RD&E governance arrangements towards an enhanced, pluralistic and collaborative system. This paper uses multi-level transition theory (MLP) to explore the dynamics of change by describing the ‘regime’ of the current Australian RD&E system, wherein the project is an emergent ‘niche-in-the- making’.Findings: The regime-based challenges arising from the unfolding Australian project collaboration allow critical assessment of the first moves of niche formation initiated by the project. Initial findings suggest a persisting instrumentalist conceptualisation of the private sector’s role in the RD&E system solely as extension providers. This is in tension with the project vision of supporting new roles for private sector advisers as key actors in the governance of co-innovation processes.Practical implications: In describing these challenges and considering how the project’s action research can facilitate participant responses, we contribute to understanding how niche formation can be supported in Australia and internationally.Theoretical implications: The paper contributes to a research agenda related to the governance of agricultural advisory services via an analysis of social practice elements that constitute internal niche processes.Originality: Enabling critical analysis of the incumbent regime of the current RD&E system, this framework provides insights into how niche responses aimed at the RD&E system change can be supported.

Can mobile phone-based animated videos induce learning and technology adoption among low-literate farmers? A field experiment in Burkina Faso

ABSTRACTThis article explores an innovative approach to deliver information about new agricultural technology that combines a versatile and potentially lower cost method of developing animated videos with another low-cost method of sharing it on mobile devices (i.e. mobile phone). It describes a randomized controlled field experiment conducted in Burkina Faso to evaluate the effectiveness of animated videos shown on mobile phone compared with the traditional extension method (live demonstration) in inducing learning and adoption of two post-harvest technologies among low-literate farmers. Results suggest that video-based training was as effective as the traditional method in inducing learning and understanding. For technologies that farmers were already aware of animated video shown on the mobile phone was also as effective as live demonstration in inducing adoption. However, in transferring new technologies, the traditional method was more effective in inducing adoption at p < .10, but not at p < .05. Potential role of mobile phone-based videos as part of the agricultural extension system is discussed.

THE REALITY OF SOME SPECIALIZED TASKS OF HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT IN AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SYSTEM IN MIDDLE REGION PROVINCES OF IRAQ

The research aimed to explore the reality of some specialized tasks of human resources management in agricultural extension and to reach the research aim, a questionnaire form was prepared according to specialists' opinions and their agreements. The scale questionnaire of the reality of some specialized tasks of human resources management included 103 items distributed on 7 axis: planning for human resources, occupational description, incentive system, workers training and developinge, valuation of workers performance, services provided to workers, and work relations among the workers,The research was conducted on a random sample of 50% of Iraqi middle provinces (Baghdad, Karblaa, Najaf, Wasit). A random sample about 52% of the agricultural divisions of these provinces of 27 agricultural divisions were chosen, Limitedsearch(166) managers representing units Agricultural Extension device managers, as well as the directors of the departmentsof agricultureand agriculturalpeople andthe management of humanresources , Results showed that all specialized occupations or tasks of human resources management in agricultural extension system were applied, but in different degrees, The researcher recommended the necessity of adopting this research by agricultural extension system to improve the management of human resources.

A Vision for Modernizing Agricultural Extension System in Egypt

A Vision for Modernizing Agricultural Extension System in Egypt

IMPROVE THE QUAIITY OF ENVIRONMENT AGRICUITURAI EXTENSION SYSTEM THE PROVINCES OF CENTRAL REGLON OF IRAQ

This research aimed at explorivg the reality of environmental agricultural extension system and visualiz proposal to improve the quality agricultural extension systemcontaining the environmental agricltural extension inputs , operations outputs and Continuou improvemen .The research community included the provinces of the central regionof Iraq 8 Provinces where the number of employees 186 respondents Anbar and Salah Religion excluded because of the security conditions at the time of data collection, and thus the research community became (6)Provinces A random sample of (70%) was take by 4 governorates Baghdad,Najaf supervision , Karbala , Babil) ,due to the small number of workers in the provinces covered by the research, a whole community was taken of 148 respondents To achieve research objective questionnaire designed to collect data from respondents consisted of Fenta scale including 89 paragraphs were distributed among four field , including 28 inputs and 39 operation , and 16 outputs , and continuous improvement . In order to analyze and display the results , statistical analysis software Spss was and manual analysis . The search results were: The reality of Agricultural Extension and environment system is weak through Results Reached by researcher .The majority of the respondents agreed to the proposed concept To improve the quality system composed of agricultural inputs , processes , outputs , and continuous improvement There are variations in the importance of axes and paragraphs of environmental Agricultural extension system in the provinces of Central region of Iraq , but these were minor variation which indicates that most of them were important The researcher reached the following recommendations .And the need to form a joint committee between the ministries concerned with the environment and improve the exchange of information

English

Malawi adopted a pluralistic, demand-driven and decentralised agricultural extension system in 2000, following a political change from one party to a multiparty democratic system of government. This was followed by the introduction of a district agricultural extension services system (DAESS) as a way of facilitating the implementation of the pluralistic, demand-driven and decentralised agricultural extension policy. This study was conducted to assess the feasibility and status of implementation of DAESS. The study was conducted as an action research which involved an assessment of the status as well as implementation of the DAESS system. Stakeholder consultations revealed that DAESS is a very good extension system for promoting agricultural and rural development in Malawi considering its socio-political set-up. At the time of the study, the system had not been well established in two of the three districts and the action research activities demonstrated that the system can be established and works effectively in promoting agricultural development. There is need to conduct more sensitization and training of stakeholders for them to understand and effectively implement the system. Key words: Extension system, pluralistic extension, decentralised extension, demand-driven extension, extension policy, action research.

Wellbeing of Beneficiaries of the University Based Agricultural Extension System in Ogun State, Nigeria

The study assessed the wellbeing of farmers under the University-Based Agricultural Extension System in selected communities in Ogun State. Multistage sampling procedure was deployed in sampling 60 each of UBAES and ADP beneficiaries. Interview schedule was used to gather data which was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics at P=0.05. UBAES beneficiaries mainly accessed training on harnessing farmers groups for increased production (x=2.72), family welfare and food nutrition programme ( x =2.67) while their ADP counterparts had capacity building on financing agricultural production ( x =2.65) and training on harnessing farmers group for increased production ( x =2.37).Increased access to agricultural credit (x =1.67) and enhanced production skill ( x =1.53) were benefits derived by ADP beneficiaries while UBAES beneficiaries had improved level of living ( x =1.88) and increase in crop production ( x =1.87) as benefits derived. UBAES beneficiaries were better off in material (81.7%), social (76.7%) and psychological (83.3%) wellbeing, while ADP beneficiaries were better off in economic (65.0%) wellbeing. Significant relationship existed between the estimated monthly income (r=0.249), frequency of service accessed (r= 0.0314) and wellbeing under UBAES. Significant difference (p= 0.000) was established between the wellbeing of UBAES and ADP beneficiaries. UBAES is considered a more potent platform for enhancing farmers’ wellbeing.

Current Status of Agricultural Extension in China

Information on the history, legislative background, and current five levels (national, provincial, county, municipal, and township level) of the agricultural extension system in China are presented herein. In addition to the five levels, there are also six administrative agencies involved: Ministry of Agriculture, State Forestry Administration, Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, National Agriculture Leadership Working Group, and National Development and Reform Commission. An example (Zhongfang Township, City of Luoyuan, Fuzhou County, Fujian Province) is given to illustrate the intricate network of the agricultural extension system. Major problems of the Chinese extension system include a complex and inefficient extension network, disconnection between the extension service and stakeholders’ needs, and a “two-boss” dilemma for most extension agencies. However, some current success stories in Chinese agricultural extension may be applicable or provide useful tips to other countries including the United States.

PENYULUHAN PERTANIAN INDONESIA : ISU PRIVATISASI DAN IMPLIAKISNYA

The organization, mandate, and practices of agricultural and rural extension systems are changing worldwide, and it is vital that each region keep pace with the latest developments. The challenges of introducing appropriate institutional measures must be accepted by each government in order to reform the national agricultural extension systems in response to the global changes, otherwise the extension systems will become obsolete.Diverse agricultural extension funding and delivery arrangements have been undertaken since the mid-1980s by governments worldwide in the name of "privatization". Privatization is used in the broadest sense of introducing or increasing private sector participation, which does not necessarily imply transfer of designated state-owned assets to the private sector. The arguments for privatization are based upon: more efficient delivery of service, lowered government expenditure. and higher quality of services. Privatization of agricultural extension system implies0 a division of appropriate role between public sector and private sector. Cost and service sharing among extension service providers can be formed into some systems encompass contract, vouchers, competitive grant fund, subsidize, and commercial extension service.This paper aims to discuss about privatization issues and its implications on Indonesian agricultural extension system. Related parties and sectors on Indonesian agricultural extension system should pay more attention in order to reform the old system and to reconstruct it into a new system--client-oriented extension

Claims and counterclaims: institutional arrangements and farmers’ response to the delivery and adoption of innovations in the Okavango Delta, Botswana

ABSTRACTPurpose: This article examined how institutional factors influencing the promotion of two elephant crop-raiding deterrent innovations (ECDIs) introduced to farmers through a ministry-based extension system in the Okavango Delta, Botswana, have impacted farmers’ adoption behaviour. Methodology: A standardised interview schedule was used to elicit responses from 388 randomly sampled subsistence arable farmers on how institutions influenced the adoption of ECDIs in five communities in the study area. This was complemented by focus group discussions to obtain in-depth information on the subject-matter. Key informants interviews were also conducted with purposively selected extension agents, village project committee chairpersons and village dikgosi. Findings: Four institutional factors were found to be critical for the adoption of ECDIs. These include institutional relations, availability and/or supply of deterrent innovation inputs, farmers’ contact with extension agents and government support for extension services. Theoretical Implications: Immediate and widespread adoption of ECDIs in the ever-changing socio-economic and political environment can be enhanced by context-specific institutional arrangements in addressing social and organisational constraints to innovation adoption. Originality: This paper invoked organisational theory to contribute to the scholarly debate on how agricultural extension systems influence farming clientele’s behaviour and social change. It offers the first attempt in the investigation of the role of extension and associated institutions/organisations in promoting adoption of ECDIs among subsistence farmers in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. Findings indicate that local farmers do not perceive extension agencies to hold monopoly of ideas and solutions to their unique problems.

Mitigation of diffuse water pollution from agriculture in England and China, and the scope for policy transfer

This paper evaluates the existing policy frameworks for mitigation of diffuse water pollution from agriculture (DWPA) in England and China. With reference to a conceptual model of the process of policy transfer or international lesson drawing, and possible constraints to this, it assesses whether and how China can draw lessons to improve current policy from the supra-national and national provisions of the EU and a member state that by 2016 had comprehensively implemented EU agricultural and environmental policy. DWPA is first analysed as a public policy challenge to inform specification of a generic framework for its mitigation. The current policy frameworks for mitigation of DWPA in England and China are evaluated, and their potential for improvement is assessed. A number of barriers to lesson drawing for regulation, incentive payments schemes and advice provision are diagnosed. These barriers are potentially least in relation to advice provision and its use to promote voluntary action by farmers. Given its structure and capabilities the public agricultural extension system in China is also recognised as a key resource. A focus on three policy approaches to mitigate DWPA in China is recommended: i) targeted regulation to a ‘reference level’ of large intensive livestock, and ultimately other large commercial farms; ii) strategic use of incentive payment schemes to protect water resources from DWPA; and iii) re-orientation of the ethos and modalities of operation of the extension system, informed by international lesson drawing, with the aim of rebalancing farm productivity and environmental protection.

Assessment of Stress Experienced by Agricultural Input Agent's Dealers

Agricultural sector contributes significantly to sustainable economic development of the country. The sustainable agriculture development of any country depends upon the judicious mix of their available natural resources. Therefore if agriculture goes wrong, it will be really bad for the economy as the falling of agricultural growth not only affects employment but GDP too. India is in process of transforming its agricultural extension and technology transfer systems to become more demand-driven and responsive to farmers’ needs. There is need to develop skill and knowledge on scientific agriculture. Its wide extension system could be visualized through these facts India has second largest extension system in the world in terms of professional and technical staff. The main objectives of the study is: Know the profile of agricultural input agents and stress experienced. The investigator selected two districts in Tamil Nadu, namely Districts are Coimbatore and Erode, in Coimbatore district Coimbatore and Erode district, sathayamangalam block was choose for the research with 40 sample. Data was collected through questionnaire tools. The findings of the study Cent percent of agricultural input agents had bank account, forty percent of them having account in state bank. Eighty percent had saving account and forty three percent having account for business transaction. Seventy five percent were facing stress. Forty percent of them facing occupational stress, whereas thirteen percent agricultural input agents facing stress because of no customers. Seventy five percent of agricultural input agents agree that they used to talk with customers. Followed by input agents agree that they have good manner. Twelve percent input agents agree that they are not satisfied with their works.

Assessment of farmer-oriented agricultural extension intervention in Iran

ABSTRACTPurpose: The main purpose of this study was to determine the characteristics of farmer-oriented policies as regards the Iranian agricultural extension system. Methodology: To fulfill this objective, a Delphi technique was utilized. The study used a series of three steps, engaging a panel of experts on farmer-oriented policies of agricultural extension system. Finding: The characteristics of farmer-oriented policies in agricultural extension system were classified into six categories including: need-based programs, proper interaction among stakeholders, decentralization and higher stakeholders’ participation, enabling stakeholders with emphasis on smallholder farmers, market-oriented programs and integrated policies. The findings indicated that ‘enabling farmers to solve their technical problems’ and ‘engaging farmers in planning, executing and evaluating of the programs’ had the highest percentage of agreement. Theoretical implication: From a theoretical point of view, the finding of this research has introduced six categories as characteristics of a farmer-oriented policy that could have practical implications for agricultural extension system in Iran. Also, this paper proposes a framework for future studies in the field of farmer-oriented policies in agricultural extension system. Practical implications: Recognizing the characteristics of farmer-oriented intervention of agricultural extension shows that targeted extension approaches are needed to pay attention to these characteristics in various stages of planning, delivering and evaluation of extension programs. Originality/value: This paper provides a comprehensive list of characteristics of farmer-oriented policies of agricultural extension that can be helpful for agricultural policy-makers in devising programs of extension services.

Public Agricultural Extension System Support for the Natural Farming: A Case of Convergence Effort under ATMA, India

Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) of India is a huge public extension system, it usually converge different extension service providing agencies, research organizations, NGOs, and other such agencies at district level with the farming communities (FIGs). Recognizing the importance of group led extension approach; ATMA has developed and/or strengthens several common interest groups (FIGs). One of the active performing groups was studied about its dynamics and empowerment brought forth by ATMA is presented in this paper. The reason behind in selection of this particular farmers’ interest group (FIG) is it’s unique practice of paddy cultivation rather to use synthetic chemicals. ATMA has strengthened this group with its convergence activity in collaboration with department of animal husbandry and NGO at their locality. ATMA is acting upon this group since eleven years to empower the farmers through group led extension. To measure the impact of ATMA in empowering the group, present study was conducted with the following objective: To measure the group dynamics of FIG - Natural farming and to identify the extent of empowerment as perceived by the respondents. To measure the group dynamics of this FIG, group dynamics index (GDI) was developed for this study. This FIG natural farming scored 0.63 out of 1 on GDI. According to the members of FIG natural farming, most of the empowerment (25.71%) fell out in economic security dimension.

Level of Income Inequality and Determinants of Poverty Incidence among Youth Farmers in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

The prevalence of poverty among youths engaged in agricultural production is partly responsible for increase in agricultural diversification and rural-urban migration among other social vices in developing societies. To help generate suitable policies in order to tackle this rampaging issue, the study specifically analyzes poverty and income inequality as well as identified determinants of poverty among youths involved in agricultural production in the rural areas of Akwa Ibom State located in southern Nigeria. Data were collected from 300 youths spread across the rural areas of the State. Combinations of sampling methods were employed to sample cross sectional data from respondents. The study used descriptive tools and regression analysis (Logit regressions) to analyze information collected. The socio-economic analysis reveals that, most youth farmers were educated; social capital formation was poor, while land size averaged at 0.48ha per youth. About 45.1% of male youths and 72% of female youths live below poverty line in the study area. Income inequality index revealed 0.4009 for male youths and 0.3797 for female youths. The Logit model estimates revealed that, youths’ years in social organization, level of formal education, age of youths; amount of non-farm income, farm size, agricultural extension activities and commercial purposes of agricultural production reduced the probability of poverty incidence among youth farmers in the State. Household size and dependent ratio were positive drivers of poverty among rural youths. Based on the research findings, it is recommended that poverty and income inequality among youths engaged in agricultural production in the rural area of the State can be successfully handled, if sound family welfare packages are implemented in the rural communities. Also, rural youth’s groups should be strengthen to promote social capital formation; while farm enterprise development capacity should be encourage among youths as well as strengthening agricultural extension system in the State. Marginal lands should be developed and distributed to youth farmers in the area.

Different Agricultural Extension Systems Implemented in Africa: A Review

The aim of this review was to summarize some selected Agricultural Extension Systems (AES) that have been implemented in Africa. The review revealed that, many AES were implemented before assessing...

Farmers' Perception on Innovations in Technology Dissemination (ITD) Methods

Innovations in Technology Dissemination (ITD) is a part of Agricultural extension system, concerned with transmitting information and knowledge of important agricultural technology from research to farmer. The present study was conducted in Kannur district of Kerala to identify the perception of farmers on ITD methods implemented by different agricultural institutions in Kannur district with special reference to Kannur Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK). Thirty farmers each from four selected grama panchayats (Ezhome, Kankol- Alapadamba, Kadannapalli- Panapuzha and Mayyil) of Kannur were identified using simple random sampling and a total of one hundred and twenty respondents were included in the study. A well-structured interview schedule was used for collecting the data from the respondents. The data were tabulated and inferences were drawn after appropriate statistical analysis. Majority of the farmers had medium level of perception on ITD methods followed by low level.

Research on the Development Efficiency of Family Farm based on DEA Model: A Case Study

In this paper, through the actual investigation of the production and operation in the main grain producing areas, the authors collected data from 89 farms in Northeast China. This paper first describes the individual characteristics of the family farm operators, the size of the land and the circulation of the farm, the situation of the farm to obtain funds and information services. Then we estimate the development efficiency based on the DEA model, by using the survey data. The results show that family farm business process is lack of new agricultural technologies; family farmers’ management ability is weak, the factors of production inputs such as unreasonable causes share of the family farm in Northeast DEA efficiency is low. In order to develop the efficiency of the family farm, government should put forward and optimize the land circulation system, pay attention to the quality of the family farmers, and improve the agricultural technology extension system, optimize the allocation of production factors.

Decentralization of Mexico’s Agricultural Extension Services and the Ongoing Struggle to Alleviate Rural Poverty

A tendency to decentralize national agricultural extension systems around the world caught many countries unprepared to respond effectively to the needs of its rural population under privatized approaches to extension delivery, especially in regard to poverty alleviation. Myriad internal and external factors led Mexico to dismantle its national agricultural extension system in the 1990s, and adopt a more privatized or contractor-driven approach. As a result, significant changes occurred in the way extension services were offered to the public after the system’s decentralization by Mexico’s federal government, although some similarities remained. After almost two decades of decentralization, the effectiveness of the current system has been questioned regarding its provision of services to marginalized groups who represent the most impoverished of Mexico’s citizens. This historical narrative aimed to understand the phenomenon by exploring the causes of decentralization, comparing extension service delivery before and after decentralization, including its outcome, privatization of extension services, and suggest directions for improvement in the future.

Benefits of the development and dissemination of climate-smart rice: ex ante impact assessment of drought-tolerant rice in South Asia

In the era of climate change, rice (Oryza sativa L.) production is increasingly affected by the rising frequency and severity of various abiotic stresses such as flood and drought. In some cases, 100 % yield loss can be attributed solely to these stresses. Hence, there is an urgent need to develop climate-smart rice that is more resilient to abiotic stresses. As the development and dissemination of climate-smart rice varieties entail costs, this article examines the net economic benefits of developing and disseminating successful drought-tolerant rice in South Asia where rice area prone to drought far outweighs area with other abiotic stresses. Drought causes major rice yield losses not only in South Asia but also in other parts of Asia and Africa. Using the ORYZA2000 (ORYZA model series were developed at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in the early 1990s in collaboration with Wageningen University and Research Centre (WUR) and 16 national agricultural research and extension systems in Asia. ORYZA2000 is an update and integration of earlier versions of the ORYZA model. More detailed documentation of ORYZA2000 can be found in ( http://books.irri.org/9712201716_content.pdf )) crop growth simulation model, we demonstrate that a successful drought-tolerant rice variety can provide yield gains in South Asia of a minimum of 1.71 % to a maximum of 8.96 % when there is no change in the climate and under different climate scenarios projected by Canadian General Circulation Models (CGCMs). Moreover, our economic analysis shows that the economic benefits from the successful development and dissemination of droughttolerant rice more than outweigh the research investments needed to develop a variety. Although the research, development, and dissemination of a climate-smart drought-tolerant rice variety in the South require USD 84 million, our economic model indicates that rice production will be higher by a minimum of 6 million tons worth USD 3.3 billion, and rice prices will be lower by a minimum of USD 72 per ton when a drought-tolerant variety is adopted in South Asia (as compared to the case without this new variety). This can lead to improved rice food security and better nutritional outcomes for the poor.