Extension Service Delivery Research Articles

Efficiency and productivity analysis of pineapple farmers in the Akwapim-South District of Ghana: A distance function approach

The study sought to analyze the efficiency and productivity of pineapple farmers in the Akwapim-South District of Ghana. The paper employs the stochastic translog distance function technique to analyze the influence of inputs on outputs whilst highlighting the technical efficiency and its determinants of the pineapple farmers. A total of 135 respondents were randomly selected using the multi-stage sampling technique. The results reveal that all the input variables (fertilizer, labour, cost of pineapple suckers and intermediate cost) are significant and have a positive influence on the productivity of pineapple production. The shadow share of other crops is estimated to be negative relative to the production of pineapple in the output mix. The mean technical efficiency score is found to be 85%. This implies that pineapple farmers in the Akwapim-South District have the potential to increase their output level by 15% using the current technology available to them. The results further indicate that age, number of extension visits, education and FBO (farmer-based organization) membership significantly and positively affect the technical efficiency of pineapple farmers. The paper recommends that government policies should ensure inputs are available to farmers at subsidized prices. Furthermore, regular education of extension agents and properly structured extension and FBO service delivery systems should be put in place to enhance the productivity of farmers.

Perception of Farmers on Maize as a Potential Crop for Climate Change Adaptation in Northern Bangladesh

The main purposes of this research study was to determine the perception of farmers on maize as a potential crop for climate change adaptation and to access problems faced by the farmers in maize production. Maize cultivation is getting importance in Bangladesh, with economic efficiency of production estimated at 87%. Data were collected from the farmers of four villages of Biral Upazila under Dinajpur district in the Northern Bangladesh during 28 March to April 28 2018 from the 90 randomly sleeted farmers. Both descriptive and correlation coefficients test was performed for statistical analysis. Results revealed that almost three-fifths (61.10 percent) of the farmers had medium, while 20.00 percent of them had low and 18.90 percent had high perception of maize as a potential crop for climate change adaption. Correlation analysis indicated that age, education, cosmopoliteness, training received, knowledge on climate change and extension media contact of the farmers had significant positive relationships with their perception of maize as a potential crop for climate change adaption. On the contrary, farm size, maize cultivation area, farming experience and annual income had no significant relationship with their perception of maize as a potential crop for climate change adaption. ‘Non-availability of storage facilities’ was ranked as the 1st or top problems for maize production. Other problems (in descending order) included ‘getting fair price problem due to interfere of middleman’, ‘non-availability of farm labour’, ‘lack of /or inadequate access to weather forecast technologies’, ‘no hybrid maize seed availability, ‘non-habit of human for consumption as food’, ‘poor information access regarding climate change adaptation strategies by maize farmers’, ‘lack of inputs in time’, ‘non-suitability of land for maize cultivation’, as well as ‘poor agricultural extension service delivery’. Further, it might be recommended that necessary support should be provided for the maize growers to minimize their problems on prioritize basis.

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) usage among agricultural extension officers and its impact on extension delivery in Ghana

In recent years, the agricultural industry has been experiencing an ever-increasing application of information and communication technologies globally. This new revolution has been touted to impact efficiency and productivity in the agricultural extension services within the agriculture sector. Notwithstanding this, empirical research need to be carried out amongst its users in the sector to ascertain these assertions. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to assess the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) among agricultural extension workers and its implications on extension service delivery. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 153 field extension workers, and a structured questionnaire was used to elicit information from the respondents. The data obtained were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics software version 22. The study revealed that agricultural extension officers use ICT for personal communication, but not mainly for extension activities. It was recommended that the agricultural extension services provide intensive ICT training for the agricultural extension workers to enhance ICT incorporation into extension advisory service.

An investigation into the factors facilitating extension services available to fish farmers in Ijebu-Ode agricultural extension zone, Ogun State, Nigeria

Extension services bridge the gap between research and farmers for increased productivity and improved livelihood. The study investigated the factors facilitating extension services available to fish farmers in Ijebu Ode Agricultural Extension Zone, Ogun State, aimed to determine fish farmers' preferences, the costs and returns of fishes and the constraints hindering extension services available to the respondents. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used to select respondents from all the six extension blocks in Ijebu Ode Zone of Ogun State ADP. One hundred and seventeen fish farmers were randomly sampled using structured interview schedules. The study revealed the mean and standard errors of age, household size and fish farming experience as 46.6±0.9 years, 6±0.3 persons and 6±0.4 years, respectively; 67.5% were male, married (76.1%) and all were literate. Formal sources of extension services available to fish farmers were extension agents from ADPs (99.1%), JDPC extension workers (54.7%) and NGOs (44.4%).Informal sources include; friends and relations (70.9%), extension guide/bulletins (70.9%), and the mobile phone (41.9%). Farmers showed preferences for extension services like field demonstrations (91.5%), fishing inputs marketing information (88.0%), farm record keeping (81.2%) and environmental management (79%). There was significant association between fish farmers' 2 2 marital status (χ2 = 29.67, p < 0.05), educational status (χ2 = 22.63, p < 0.05) and nature of extension services available to them. However, no significant relationship was found between the nature of extension services available and age (r = 0.012; p >0.05), years of experience (r=-0.074; p<0.05) and house hold size (r = 0.033; p >0.05). There was association between 2 nature of extension services available to fish farmers and their profitability ((χ2 = 173.088, p < 0.05). For more effective extension service delivery, this study recommends better linkage of fish farmers to credit sources, favourable government policy on agriculture, proper funding of extension service and remuneration of extension personnel.

PERCEPTIONS OF SMALLHOLDER FARMERS’ ON EXTENSION SERVICES DELIVERY IN SOUTH AFRICA

Ponte Academic JournalApr 2021, Volume 77, Issue 4 PERCEPTIONS OF SMALLHOLDER FARMERS’ ON EXTENSION SERVICES DELIVERY IN SOUTH AFRICAAuthor(s): Sithembi Mncina ,Ogujiuba Kanayo, Mahlalela MakhosonkeJ. Ponte - Apr 2021 - Volume 77 - Issue 4 doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2021.4.6 Abstract:Contemporary pathways of innovation and diversification in the agricultural sector commands a strong emphasis in business management competence of smallholder farmers. The significance of farmer's competence in enhancing entrepreneurship activities is widely acknowledged. From specific and often circumstantial examples in daily practice, some rural farmers seem to be quite successful in developing themselves as entrepreneurs through interaction with extension officers. However, it is not clear what farmers learn in this process and whether this learning capacitates their management skills for agricultural development. This article examines the perceptions of smallholder farmer's concerning effectiveness of public extension service delivery in facilitating SMEs management at Nkomazi local municipality, South Africa. The survey used sampled twenty-five (25) respondents with purposeful sampling techniques. Twenty (20) of them were smallholder farmers, and five (5) were public extension personnel. Thematic analysis was used to explain the themes generated. Based on our findings, we recommend that agricultural policy should promote equitable and consistent extension services that can be sustainable to promote SMEs success rates. Moreover, there should be training on the proper use of the information and communication technology provided by the extension officers to the as well as the smallholder farmers. Download full text:Check if you have access through your login credentials or your institution Username Password

Factors Influencing the Adoption of ICT’S in Extension Service Delivery Among the Extension Agents in North-East, Nigeria

Factors Influencing the Adoption of ICT’S in Extension Service Delivery Among the Extension Agents in North-East, Nigeria

Impact of Soil Testing Programme on Behavioral Changes Among the Farmers of Kaushambi District (Uttar Pradesh)

Soil health and fertility is the basis for sustainable profitability of the farmers. Using optimal doses of fertilizers and cropping pattern as per the scientific recommendation is the first step towards sustainable farming. Soil testing is a science based and time-tested tool for assessment of soil fertility status and soil ailments and for nutrient amendment recommendations. Soil testing, as a tool for judicious fertilizer use, works on the principle of profitability, meaning if all other factors of production are at optimum and none of them limiting, there is all probability to obtain more profitable response to applied nutrients based on soil testing than those applied on adhoc basis. The constraints reported by the farmers in adoption of recommendations included high cost, difficulty in adoption, low credibility of soil testing report, and long distance to laboratory. There is ample scope to improve the analyzing capacity as well as dissemination ability of soil testing laboratories. This, coupled with professional management through proper linkages, can bring radical changes in soil testing services in the state. It is suggested that the issued SHCs need to be periodically updated so that the farmers remain aware about the changing fertility status of their land. The awareness generation regarding spraying, fertigation and drilling method of fertilizers application is also needed among the farmers. The advantages of adoption of recommendations of soil testing may be disseminated among the farmers along with strengthening of extension service delivery in the state.

Farmers' perception about agricultural extension service delivery in regions 3 and 5, Guyana (South America)

This study investigated farmers' perception about Agricultural Extension Services Delivery in Regions 3&5 Guyana (South America). Data were collected from 200 farmers and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mean, frequency counts, percentages and standard deviation. The fndings indicated that (26.5%) and (46.5%) of farmers were visited once a month and once every two months respectively. Results also showed that farmers perceived training, demonstrations and printed materials to be effective extension methods. The study further revealed that more than 50% of the farmers in regions 3&5 perceived frequency of visit by extension Officers as the major constraint to be addressed to improve Agricultural Extension Service Delivery. The study recommended using extension methods which were perceived as effective. The study also suggested the need for government support in terms of increasing the number of extension workers in the study area and for enhanced mobility of extension workers in of road areas.

Determinants of professionalisation of extension service delivery: A confirmatory factor analysis approach

The need for agricultural extension services in Nigeria to attain a higher ethical and professional status of registering and certifying its service providers like other disciplines for effective service delivery has led this study to examine the factors influencing extension professionalisation in Nigeria. 356 extension agents from both public and private extension organisations were selected through a two-stage sampling procedure. A structured questionnaire was used to elicit information on the knowledge, attitude and perceptions on the effects of the components of professionalisation (i.e. accreditation, registration, and certification) on service delivery. The Cronbach alpha reliability values for the constructs used in the different sections of the instrument were knowledge (0.78), attitude (0.94), accreditation (0.92), registration (0.89) and certification (0.96). Data was analysed using IBM AMOS version 24 to conduct a confirmatory factor analysis to determine the interrelationships that exist between the extension agent’s knowledge, attitude, and the components of professionalisation. The findings revealed a significant and strong positive correlation between the constructs of the extension agent’s knowledge, attitude and the professionalisation components of accreditation, registration, and certification. These findings have implications for educating and training extension agents on professionalisation and its components to ensure its institutionalisation in the agricultural extension sector for the provision of a more ethical, competent, accountable, and efficient rural and advisory service delivery.

Towards an efficient post Covid-19 ict based extension service delivery model for the sugar industry of eSwatini

This study presents a designed ICT based extension service delivery system for the sugar industry of Eswatini. The model is an improvement of the current system and it presents a delivery system that is void of many limitations. This model emanates from findings of a survey which involved all smallholder sugarcane farmers (N=172) and their extension officers (N=17). The survey investigated how information and knowledge are currently managed within the sugar industry. Basically, the model revolves around the use of mobile phones to relay information among the sugar industry stakeholders in a timely, more organised, productive and cost-effective ways, without contravention of the COVID-19 pandemic protocols. Sugarcane stakeholders can now be able to exchange information using the model without having to meet physically, which is what most of the traditional approaches required. The exchange of information can be in a form of voiced, pre-recorded information in the form of texts, audio, or audio visuals. This would go a long way in enhancing smallholder farmer’s productivity as it has the potential of empowering more rural sugarcane farmers with crucial information for improved productivity. The model has the potential to sustain itself as the participation of the stakeholders is promoted.

Agricultural Extension Service Delivery in Provincial and Local Government of Nepal: An Integrative Literature Review

Three tiers government system as new structured governance transformation in Nepal has opened up an opportunity for making agricultural policies especially at the province and local level to promote bottom-up approach of agricultural extension delivery system. Restructuring of extension system has also leaded the way to multiple challenges in achieving the goals and vision of various strategies and plans. The paper discusses the emerging issues and challenges of agricultural extension service delivery in the changing institutional and policy context. Through an integrative review of literatures, the paper discusses the prospects of agricultural extension service system in federal context and highlights the gaps in current extension service delivery mechanism. The paper concluded that with the implementation of federal system based on the rule of law, federal governance, balanced power-sharing and values, it has opened up an opportunity for making agricultural policies at the province and local government level and thus promoting the participatory, demand driven agriculture planning and implantation. However, Nepalese agriculture extension service delivery has been facing difficulties in transforming itself in the changed context due to lack of the coordination between the layers of government, niche- based expertise, long term visualization and capitals. There are very few studies and research regarding the structural reorganization of extension system in Nepal. In this context the paper aims to identify the background, prospects and challenges faced by agricultural extension system of Nepal in federal context.

Adoption Choice of Risk Management Tools in Agricultural Production under Climate Change

The long term impact of climate change is likely to affect food security and therefore prompts the agricultural sector to be more resilient to production and market risk, and uncertainties caused by these changes in climate. Choosing from a wide range of risk management tools can help farmers manage uncertainties and adapt to climate change. However, the choice of adoption of these risk management tools are greatly influenced by a number of factors. An empirical study was conducted to estimate the factors influencing the adoption choice of agricultural risk management tools by farmers in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling procedure was employed to select the representative farmers for the study. Information were elicited from farmers using questionnaires. Factors influencing the adoption of crop diversification, insurance and contract farming were analyzed using multinomial logit approach. Empirical results revealed that the decision to adopt crop diversification and insurance were inversely and significantly affected by age of the farmers. Results further showed that farmers decision to adopt crop diversification and contract farming as risk management tools were positively and significantly influenced by the size of farmland at (p<0.05). Findings also showed that access to weather information and frequency of extension contact significantly influenced farmers decision to adopt crop insurance and crop diversification respectively at 10% level. Result indicates that farmers decision to adopt crop diversification as a risk management tool was positively affected by frequency of extension contact. Promoting efficient and effective extension service delivery, access to weather and climate information and human capital development would be sensible policy options.

Public-private cooperation and agricultural development in Sub-Saharan Africa: a review of Nigerian growth enhancement scheme and e-voucher program

The Growth Enhancement Scheme and e-voucher program, rolled out across Nigeria in 2011 by the federal government, provided the institutional basis for private agro-dealers to engage in the distribution of subsidized fertilizer, improved seeds and extension services to farmers. However, the impact of this policy on different modes of extension service delivery is still missing in literature. We apply an Ordinary Least Squared and Difference-in-Difference methodology on the (2010 and 2012) Living Standard Measurement Study of the World Bank. The results suggest that extension visitations as well as public extension services positively influence farm revenue. Furthermore, a substantial increase in fertilizer expenditure by farmers was observed, due to the e-voucher program, which could have contributed to the improved agricultural output witnessed in Nigeria post-Growth Enhancement Scheme era. Governments across Sub-Saharan Africa should implement policies that harness the economy of scale and scope of the private sector as well as information and communication technologies in delivering on time and adequate agricultural inputs to farmers.

The Role of Agricultural Extension in Cocoa Production and Livelihood of Farmers in Meme Division, Cameroon

Agriculture is important not only for its supply of food but also for its provision of raw materials. Cocoa is a lucrative cash crop grown in kumba, Meme Division of Cameroon. Given the importance of the crop to farm communities and the economy of Cameroon, agricultural extension has key roles to enhance production through information dissemination and adoption of innovations. This survey thus assess the role of agricultural extension in cocoa production and the livelihood of farmers in Meme Division. Through simple random sampling technique, 137 farmers were selected from the population of 210 registered cocoa farmers in the study area. A questionnaire made up of open and close ended questions was the instrument for primary data collection. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS and results revealed that 90% of the farmers were married men and 60% were of the age 35-49 years. Also, 74% of the respondents had been into cocoa farming for more than 10 years, signifying that their livelihood depend on it. A low level of education is observed with 55% of them attaining only primary education. Moreover, 64% are small farm holders with 68% acknowledging use of family labor for production activities. Results further show that agricultural extension plays an essential role in cocoa production as 92% affirmed that extension provided information, knowledge and technical skills for capacity building and empowerment using Farmers Field School (FFS) and Farmers Business School (FBS) approaches. To 96%, extension initiates diffusion and adoption of innovations and organizes credits and market linkages (87%). Another 89%, were confirmative that extension liaise projects under the Program for the Improvement of Competitiveness of Family Agro-Pastoral Farms (with French acronym ACEFA) to accompany the farmers. Conclusively, extension service delivery empowers and ensures livelihood of farmers.

New State Structure and Agriculture Governance: A Case of Service Delivery to Local Farmers in the Eastern Gangetic Plains of Nepal

Under the new constitution adopted in 2015, Nepal embraced the federal structure of government comprising seven provincial and 753 local governments, each with their own legislative, judicial, and executive powers. Nepal’s agriculture sector provides livelihoods to about 60% of the population. However, its bottlenecks are rooted in poor implementation of agricultural policies and plans, low levels of investment, uncertain political commitment and weak governance, especially a lack of an effective service delivery mechanism to farmers. This study analyzed the impacts of federalism on the institutional arrangements and governance of the agriculture sector through both review of literature and field-level information gathering, particularly focusing on extension service delivery to farmers in Province 2. The findings highlight the impacts of federalism on agricultural governance mainly in functional overlapping, resource allocation, priority setting, coordination, human resource management, and extension service delivery. The lack of coordination and collaboration between the three tiers of government and the line agencies results in less-effective extension service delivery, especially in providing integrated, specialized technical services to farmers which is the main responsibility of local governments. Lack of poor understanding of governance, institutionalization, and human resources management is found to be one of the most serious problems with the provincial and local governments. The consequences are that despite a huge potential to improve service delivery leading to increased production and a market surplus, the province remains food-deficient and lacks food and nutrition security. The study recommends a strong political commitment, better policy and institutional coordination and coherence, and good governance in all tiers of government by providing demand-driven agricultural services leading to higher cropping intensity and productivity potential for which it is well recognized.

Strategies for Improving Agricultural Extension Service Delivery in Afikpo North Local Government Area, Ebonyi State

This study determined the strategies for improving agricultural extension service delivery in Afikpo North Local Government Area, Ebonyi State Nigeria using three purposes of study. The study adopted survey research design. The population of the study was 81 contact farmers and extension agents. Data were collected with questionnaire which was validated by five specialists and analysis using mean statistics and standard deviation. It was discovered that training programmes, provision of essential amenities in the rural areas and incentives to the extension agents improve agricultural extension service delivery. All the hypotheses were accepted at (p < 0.05) level of significance. The researchers recommended that the Government of Ebonyi State should always organize training programmes, provision of essential amenities in the rural areas and incentives to the extension agents. Low productivity of agricultural commodities by rural farmers is as a result of inadequate extension education services which need proactive to ensure adequate extension education services.

Collaborative governance dynamics in innovation platforms: case of Malawi’s District Stakeholder Panel

ABSTRACT Purpose An Agricultural Innovation System (AIS) is a collaborative governance (CG) arrangement which brings together several actors in the agriculture sector forming an innovation platform (IP). This study presents findings of CG dynamics obtained from an IP. Design/Methodology/Approach : A qualitative study used focus group discussions, key informant interviews and desk study to collect data. Findings Establishment of an IP is the first step in the realisation of CG in an AIS. There is a varied range of governance dynamics which affect the functionality of an IP. Actors in an IP choose when and in what circumstances to apply CG, in order to increase their beneficial effect. The differences among actors in terms of their sizes, resources, visions and missions contribute to how the CG works out. Practical implication : Paying attention to CG dynamics is as important as forming IPs. Failure to address governance dynamics makes actors follow an individualistic, linear approach to extension service delivery under the veil of AIS. There is a need to mainstream CG as a reiterative and not as a sporadic approach on logistical but on substantive matters. This requires a re-orientation and restructuring of extension systems. Theoretical implication : Future research should focus on how the collaborative dynamics affect the impacts coming out of the CG regime. Originality/Value Mobilising actors and setting up structures for AIS has become common place yet little attention is paid to understanding the collaborative dynamics affecting their functionality.

Determinants of Use of Social Media Platforms among Extension Professionals in Southwest, Nigeria

Opportunities to share and providing access to agricultural information at a much faster pace to a wider audience through a variety of user-friendly platforms can be achieved through the use of social media. This study investigated use of social media platforms among extension professionals in Southwest, Nigeria. Two hundred and five respondents were selected through multistage sampling and used for the study. The findings revealed that majority of respondents were between 36 and 50 years, 52.2% were male, 39.5% had B.Sc, 22.9% had HND, 15.1% had PGD, 12.2% had Ph.D and 10.2% had M,Sc/M.Phil, Over half (58%) of respondents had moderate awareness on use of WhatsApp for extension service delivery. Results of regression analysis showed positive and significant influence of performance expectancy (β=.199, p<.05), effort expectancy (β=.170, p<.05) and social influence (β=.139, p<.05) on use of social media platforms. From the result of the study, it was found that performance expectancy, effort expectancy and social influence were predictors of social media use, and recommended that in the use of social media for extension service delivery, these factors should be given attention in the study area.

PARTICIPATION OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IN AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

People with disabilities (PLWDs) are generally believed to be incapacitated in all spheres of life endeavours. This study assessed their participation in agricultural activities as well the determinants affecting their participation. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select 268 respondents from persons who are: physically challenged (PC), with visually impairment (VI), speech impaired (SI) and lepers (L) from a list of registered members of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities list in Ogun State. Data collected through interview guide were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square, Pearson's Product Moment Correlation and Binary Logistic Regression. Few (30.6%) of the respondents participated in agricultural activities. The agricultural activities mostly participated by PC were egg production (41.4%), cassava production (31.0%) and free range chicken production(27.6%). Also, persons with PVI engaged in free range chicken (44.0%), cassava (32.0%) and maize (28.0%) productions while lepers were engaged in millet (78.6%), cassava (46.4%) and free range chicken (35.7%) production. Few PC (6.9%) and PVI (16.0%) were engaged in broiler production, while 48.0% percent (PC), 32.0% (VI) and 10.7% (lepers) of the PWDs who participated in agricultural activities had access to extension agents. The binary logistic regression results showed that the determinantswhichsignificantly(p<0.01) influenced PWDs’ likelihood of participation in agricultural activities were access to agricultural training (β = 4.14), access to agricultural inputs (β=3.46), access to agricultural credit or loan (β =2.59),access to assistive technologies (β =3.28)and access to land (β=2.11). The constraints encountered by PWDs participating in agriculture were lack of funds (x̅ = 4.02), inaccessibility to land (x̅ = 3.72), inadequate infrastructure (x̅ = 3.16), inadequate assistive technology (x̅ = 3.05) and negative attitude of people towards PWDs (x̅ = 2.81) as well as negative attitude of people to PWDs (x̅ = 2.81). The study recommended that provision of lands, agricultural trainings, inclusive agricultural extension service delivery, assistive technology and change of negative mindset towards PWDs, may enhance their participation in agricultural activities.
 

An assessment on inclusion of private input dealers in the public extension services delivery system

The present study was attempted to subjectively assess the amenability & readiness of private input dealers in deliverance of dairy and other livestock extension services. “Q Methodology” was the technique adopted and the method was carried out in the selected Kancheepuram and Villupuram districts of Tamil Nadu state involving 26 identified input dealers, handling dairy and other livestock input items. The attentiveness of the respondents towards their inclusion in the public extension services system’, were estimated subjectively with the help of attitude statements. Principle Component Analysis (PCA) method of statistical estimation was done and the categorized statements were clubbed into four identified discourses based on the obtained Eigen values. Q methodology – subjectivity analysis classified on four defined discourses viz., “Risks and opportunities in the endeavor”, “Socio-economic empowerment in the undertaking”, “Elements of collaboration in the endeavor” and “Possible refraining behavior / escapism in the process”; in a nutshell had cued positive agreement of input dealers to the statements supporting to their inclusion in public extension service stream.