Provision Of Extension Services Research Articles

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

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

Adoption of Recommended Technologies for Cassava Processing among Women in Ankpa, Kogi State, Nigeria

Cassava is a vital crop in Nigeria, providing food, income, and employment opportunities for millions of people. However, processing of cassava require a lot of labor and is known for its poor productivity and value. This study investigated the acceptance of recommended modern technologies for cassava processing among women processors in Ankpa, Kogi State, Nigeria. A survey of 152 women cassava processors was conducted using structured questionnaires. The research outcome showed that the sampled respondents were predominantly between 21-40 years old, married, and had primary education. The acceptance rate of recommended technologies for cassava processing was fairly high, with mechanical grater having the highest adoption rate of 100%. The study identified age, household size, and processing experience as significant factors influencing the adoption of recommended cassava processing technologies. The results also showed that women processors with larger household sizes and more processing experience were more likely to adopt recommended technologies. The study concludes that empowering women cassava processors through provision of funds, credit schemes, and extension services can enhance their participation in cassava processing and improve their livelihoods. The study recommends the provision of modern machines and equipment to ease the drudgery associated with cassava processing and improve productivity and quality.

Determinants of Efficient Needs Delivery to Farmers of Odisha, India: A Multi-approach Constraint Analysis

Extension and Advisory Service (EAS) providers serve as the primary means of delivering these needs and play a crucial role in improving agricultural output; yet, farmers have challenges related to the effective implementation of these services. This study seeks to identify the primary challenges encountered by farmers in Odisha. Utilizing an exploratory study design with two methodologies, namely Mean Percent Score and Garrett's Ranking procedure, the issues were prioritized. Farmers had challenges with the EAS in three primary domains: social skills, empowerment, and innovation adoption. Poor leadership development training under the Social Skill with a mean garret score with 77.14 ranked 1, the casual approach from EAS towards empowerment issues under empowerment with a mean garret score of 77.07 ranked 2 and finally high investment required for adopting recommended practices ranked third in the Adoption of Innovation with a mean garret score of 76.81. The study proposes targeted solutions to the challenges encountered by farmers in the region via a collaborative approach involving all stakeholders.

PARTISIPASI PETANI JAGUNG DALAM KEGIATAN PENYULUHAN PERTANIAN DI DESA ALEBO KECAMATAN KONDA KABUPATEN KONAWE SELATAN

The agricultural sector is a significant contributor to the regional and national economies, particularly in South Konawe Regency, which boasts extensive agricultural land and a prominent maize production industry. However, the efficacy of maize production is frequently constrained by deficiencies in knowledge and suboptimal agricultural practices. One of the most crucial endeavors in the field of agricultural development is the provision of extension services, which are designed to enhance the knowledge and expertise of farmers, thereby facilitating enhanced agricultural productivity and quality. The objective of this study is to examine the level of participation of maize farmers in Alebo Village in agricultural extension activities. The population under investigation consisted of all corn farmers, amounting to 164 families. This figure was obtained through the application of simple random sampling to a population of 15% (25 families), and the resulting data was subjected to quantitative analysis. The findings revealed that farmer involvement in corn farming extension activities in Alebo Village, Konda Subdistrict, can be classified into distinct phases. These include participation in planning activities, attendance, active engagement in extension activities, and evaluation of agricultural extension activities. Farmer participation in agricultural extension planning activities is classified as low. The participation of respondents in agricultural extension activities is classified as attendance. The participation of corn farmers in each extension activity is classified as active (participating). The participation of corn farmers in their activeness is also classified as active (participating). Finally, the participation of farmers in the evaluation of extension tends to accept the results of extension activities that they have done. Nevertheless, farmers perceive the presence of agricultural extension workers to be highly beneficial for the implementation of their maize farming practices.

Spatial accessibility modeling of agricultural extension services among rural smallholder macadamia farmers in Neno district, Malawi

ABSTRACT Purpose Agricultural extension services (AES) are vital for enhancing smallholder farmer productivity and food security in Malawi. However, long travel times and staff shortages hinder access to extension services from reaching many rural farmers. This study investigates travel times required by Neno Smallholder Macadamia Cooperative (NESMAC) lead farmers to access AES in Neno district, which is crucial for their role in training other farmers. Methodology We use a cost-friction algorithm (AccessMod) and qualitative interviews to examine travel time to NESMAC's central meeting locations (NCMLs) under four scenarios: walking, bicycling, motorcycle, and vehicle. We also assess the one-hour catchment area for each scenario. Findings Our findings reveal inequalities among NESMAC lead farmers in reaching NCMLs, with travel times ranging from 0.1 to 789 min when walking, improving to 0.1–57 min with motorized transport. The catchment area for reaching NCMLs within a 1-hour travel time increases by 19.5% with bicycles and 100% with motorized transportation, compared to 3.7% when walking. Qualitative data highlights difficulties lead farmers face due to poor infrastructure and inadequate extension service providers. Practical Implications Providing bicycles to lead farmers and motorcycles to extension staff can significantly expand NESMAC's coverage and enable more farmer trainings. Theoretical Implications Our research contributes to the literature on extension and advisory systems, emphasising the importance of evaluating travel times for lead farmers. The cost-friction analysis of travel scenarios provides insights into AES accessibility obstacles and potential solutions.

Milk Value Chain Analysis: The Case of Urban and Peri-Urban Areas of Ambo and Dendi Districts, West Shewa Zone, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia

This study was aimed at analyzing value chain of milk in Urban and Peri – Urban areas of Ambo and Dendi districts of West Shewa Zone. The study made use of both primary and secondary data collected from 146 smallholder farmers, 30 consumers, 10 Hotels and Cafeterias and 2 primary milk cooperatives through application of individual interview schedules, focus group discussions and key informant interview. The analysis was made using descriptive statistics and value chain analysis. The value chain analysis revealed that the major actors in the districts milk value chains are input suppliers, milk producers, collectors, processors and consumers. Accordingly, the value chain activities in the chain were input supply, production, processing, marketing and consumption. Four milk marketing channels were identified and relative to all other fresh milk marketing channels, producers get a higher proportion of total gross marketing margin when they sell milk to cooperatives. Profitability analysis result for dairy production indicated that, a dairy producer obtains average gross margin of 83.65per improved cow per day, in the study areas which shows that dairy production was a profitable venture for smallholder dairy producers. Milk value chain in the study areas was hindered by shortage of feeds, continuous increasing price of feeds, poor AI service provision, poor supply of genetically improved cattle breeds, limited availability of credit services, limited extension service provision, poor feeding and animal husbandry practices, low level of market linkage among the value chain actors, absence of milk processing plant and non-market oriented milk production. Therefore, policy aiming at increasing farmers’ access to modern inputs, feed conservation practices, adequate training provision to AI technicians, developing and improving infrastructure, cooperative development and improving extension services are recommended to accelerate the milk value chain’s development in the study areas.

Impact of Agricultural Credit by Commercial Banks on Agricultural GDP

The farming sector in India has always been an essential and significant part of the country’s economy. Agriculture has long been a significant employer of over 43% of the workforce and a large contributor to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), (14.39%) but it has also experienced difficulties including exploitation and uneven regulations. Despite these challenges, agriculture remains essential for the country’s development, especially as it shifts towards a more business-oriented approach that requires access to capital. When looking at what factors influence agricultural productivity growth in India, attention to credit, inputs and policies can be signalled. Credit has been a crucial component in supporting agriculture for centuries and its importance has only increased as financial institutions have taken over from traditional non-institutional players such as moneylenders, friends and relatives. A significant factor in agriculture’s expansion, especially in spurring the Green Revolution, has been institutional financing. Institutional lending to the agricultural industry and allied fields has grown significantly over time. Based on regression analysis, this study examines the relationship between direct institutional credit and agriculture and allied services GDP by analysing data covering 19 years (1992-2011) using a Multi Linear Regression model to find determinants of agricultural development. The research has found that a strong correlation exists between credit and agricultural output along with other inputs like seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, tractors, power tillers and electricity. This has been reinforced by government interventions such as offering subsidies, providing extension services and developing infrastructure. Nonetheless, a nagging problem of climate change markets is out of control and gaps in the execution of policies continue to cross the horizons. For India to manage these changes, it will be necessary for the country to shift and take positive measures that will ensure sustainable agricultural growth in rural communities.

Dissemination Approaches that Enhance Adoption of Climate Resilient TIMPS for Pigeon Pea, Sorghum and Green Grams Value Chains in Machakos County, Kenya

Dissemination approaches play a key role in facilitating the adoption of climate smart technologies, innovations and management practices among farmers. Various approaches used in Kenya include the top down approaches and bottom up approaches. This study was conducted to determine and validate dissemination approaches that enhance sustainable adoption of climate resilient TIMPs for Sorghum, Green grams and pigeon peas value chains among farmers in Machakos county. The objectives included: to Identify dissemination approaches for TIMPS in sorghum, green grams and pigeon peas in Machakos county, to assess the frequency of use of dissemination approaches for TIMPS by stakeholders and to determine the stakeholders’ perception on the effectiveness of the dissemination approaches for TIMPS. The study used a survey research design where 27 key informants comprising champion farmers and extension service providers were purposively selected for data collection. The descriptive analysis was conducted using the SPSS version 16. A weighted index was computed to aid comparison for various values chains and categories. The results showed that farmer-to-farmer (96%) and T&V (88.9%) dissemination approaches were the frequently used dissemination approaches whereas education institution (14.81%) was the least used dissemination approach in the three value chains in the county. Farmer to farmer effectiveness was ranked highest in Sorghum and Green grams while the T&V was highest for Pigeon peas Enhanced utilization of farmer-to-farmer, T&V and demand driven dissemination approaches for enhance adoption of green grams, pigeon peas and sorghum for improved productivity and household income.

Analysis of Technical Efficiency on Orange Fleshed Sweet Potatoes Production Among the Smallholder Farmers in Migori County Kenya

Sweet potatoes (<i>Ipomea batatas </i>L.), particularly the orange fleshed variety, have become increasingly popular due to their ability to thrive in various environmental conditions with minimal inputs. Orange fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSPs) show potential for productivity, yet smallholder farmers in Kenya still struggle to maximize their yields. The factors influencing OFSP production efficiency among these farmers in Western Kenya have not been thoroughly examined. This study evaluated the technical efficiency of OFSP production among smallholder farmers in Migori County. Using a descriptive research design, a sample of 225 OFSP farmers was randomly selected by a cluster sampling technique. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire on inputs and selected socio-economic factors. The data was analyzed using the frontier stochastic model in STATA. Smallholder farmers estimated mean technical efficiency was 77.82% significant variables were; size of the land, availability of planting vines, access to hired labour, gender of the household decision maker, farming experience, household size, land ownership status, participation in training programs and extension services, and proximity to markets, indicating a need to improve OFSP production by 22.18%. These findings suggest that to reduce inefficiencies among smallholder OFSP farmers, targeted training programs are needed to enhance farmers' agronomic knowledge specific to OFSP production. Further, policy interventions should prioritize the provision of extension services to support and improve the performance of OFSP smallholder farmers.

Why mobile phone matters: The role of ICT in promoting farmers’ access to agricultural information and extension services in a tea outgrowing scheme in Tanzania

This article explores the role and effects of mobile phone technologies in ensuring farmers’ access to agricultural information and extension services in a tea outgrowing scheme in Tanzania. Semi-structured interviews, Focus Group Discussions, and Key Informant Interviews were employed to collect the information. The study revealed that the rapid infiltration of mobile phone technologies into Tanzania's rural areas since the late 2000s has simplified the provision of agricultural extension services. Both farmers and extension service workers perceive mobile phone technologies as an essential supplementary mechanism to ensure easy and timely access to agricultural information. In the context of a tea outgrowing scheme, farmers use mobile phone technologies to access information on input distribution, tea collection time, farmers’ meetings, and how to address some agricultural-related challenges independently. Extension service officers also rely on mobile phone technologies for sensitization. The study highlights the importance of complementing traditional and modern extension service mechanisms to ensure farmers’ efficient and timely access to agricultural extension services and information. Mobile phone affordability and its use cost are also a concern when considering improving agricultural extension service mechanisms.

Effects of Information Providers, Channels and Types on the Adoption of Climate – Resilient Practices in Lesotho

This study examined the effects of information providers, channels and types on the adoption of climate-resilient practices in Lesotho, deviating from the usual separate analysis of the relationships between information provider, channels and types. Previous studies have generated only partial insights into the influence of different information variables on adoption behaviour, neglecting a holistic representation of the interactive effects of all dimensions of information and adoption. Using a sample of 1,659 farmers from the Bureau of Statistics (BOS) database on the 2019/2020 agricultural production survey, the data was analysed using frequency counts, percentages and Probit regression. The results show that the majority of the farmers are male (53%), less than 30 years of age (59%), possess an education level between High School form 1 to 5 (59%), have between 5 and 10 persons per household (50%) and rely on subsistence farming as their main source of income (36%). The extension services provided, as indicated by at least 90% of the farmers, include information on farm management, crop selection, input use, credit, farm machinery, livestock, crop protection, conservation, marketing, irrigation and nutrition. In contrast, the information received is more focused on marketing, livestock production, agronomic practices, irrigation and fisheries production. The major extension service providers and sources of information are public service providers and radio. Agricultural extension information providers, channels and types influence the adoption of climate-resilient practices. The study recommends that extension information providers, channels and types be matched to specific contexts for improved effectiveness.

Factors Affecting Application of Modern Agrochemicals and Observance of Pre-Harvest Interval in Khat, Catha edulis (Miraa) Crops in Igembe South Sub County

In Kenya, agriculture plays a crucial role in the economic development as well as alleviating poverty in the households. Strengthening the agricultural sector will call for provision of requisite extension services and ensuring necessary agricultural inputs readily available to the farmers. Evidently, agrochemicals have boosted agricultural productivity over time. Categorized broadly as fertilizers and pesticides, agrochemicals were introduced to enhance crop yields and minimize crop losses due to soil infertility, pests, and diseases. However, use of agrochemicals has been associated with various issues including effects on the environment and specifically, problems related to human health, biodiversity, and the entire ecosystem. Thus, this study investigated factors affecting application of modern agrochemicals and the observance of Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI) in Khat (Miraa) crops protection in Igembe south sub county. The specific objectives that guided the study were to investigate the effect of environmental factors on application of agrochemicals in Khat (Miraa) crops protection and whether farmers observed recommended Pre-Harvest Interval in application of agrochemicals in Khat (Miraa) crops protection in Igembe south sub county. A descriptive research design was utilized with a target population comprising Khat (Miraa) farmers in Igembe south sub county. Purposive sampling technique was adopted in selecting the sample. Stratified sampling was adopted in selecting individual respondents from the various wards to with the strata being the ward. Yamane (1967) formula was utilized to estimate the sample size of 399 respondents. Primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire with a response rate of 79.4%. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 and presented in figures and tables. From the analysis, the correlation between environmental factors in the application of modern agrochemicals and the protection of Khat (Miraa) crops was positive and statistically significant (?=0.546, P=0.000). The regression coefficient of environmental factors in the model was positive (r=.221) and statistically significant (P=0.000). Based on the calculated averages and PHI risk factors, majority of the farmers are categorized as high risk or very high-risk users of agrochemicals. Further statistical analysis indicated that the coefficient of the risk factor is positive (r=0.572) and statistically significant (P=0.000). Therefore, the risk factor in observance of the PHI has a significant effect on the number of farmers using specific agrochemicals. The study concluded that environmental factors and non-observance of recommended PHI, positively and significantly affects the protection of Khat (Miraa) crops. The study recommends targeted extension to sensitize Khat (Miraa) growers on importance of observing recommended PHI. Finally, the study recommends that the national and county governments ought to formulate policy guidelines that identify agrochemicals suitable in Miraa crops protection, the recommended application rates, and Pre-Harvest Intervals.

Analyzing Farmers’ Perceived Information Need and its Mitigation by Extension and Advisory Service (EAS) Providers in Pluralistic System

Analyzing Farmers’ Perceived Information Need and its Mitigation by Extension and Advisory Service (EAS) Providers in Pluralistic System

Effects of extension service on the uptake of climate-smart sorghum production practices: Insights from drylands of Ethiopia

The promotion of climate-resilient practices (CRPs) requires the development of the capacity of farmers to adopt these practices owing to the knowledge-intensive nature of technologies. Extension services serve as a conduit for facilitating the conceptualization of CRPs and are instrumental in improving the resiliency and mitigation of climate change. We used a social-ecological framework and a multivariate probit model to analyze the drivers of the CRP uptake in moisture-stressed areas in Ethiopia, with a particular focus on extension services. Unlike previous studies that investigated a single technology, we considered a bundle of technologies. We focused on the use of two capital-intensive CRPs (drought-resistant seed and inorganic fertilizer) and four knowledge-intensive CRPs (minimum tillage, farmyard manure, water-saving technology, and crop residue retention). The role of extension services in promoting other CRPs beyond input and capital-intensive technologies was insignificant. Heterogeneity analysis revealed that the correlation between extension services and the adoption of other knowledge-intensive natural resource management practices holds irrespective of the proximity to the extension service providers. This finding highlights the need for targeted and tailored interventions that support farmers to address the challenges faced by them in moisture-stressed areas. Accordingly, we propose continuously improving the ability of the extension service providers to promote climate-change adaptation knowledge and practices. This should be accompanied by efforts to strengthen a pluralistic extension system, improve land tenure security, and decrease transaction costs for farmers through output market linkages.

Agrarian Distress in Indian Agriculture: Causes, Socio-economic Consequences and Coping Strategies

Agrarian distress is the economic, political and social challenges faced by the farmers and rural communities due to factors such as low crop yields, fluctuating prices of agricultural produce, high input costs, indebtedness, and lack of access to credit, markets, and infrastructure. Over 8,00,000 individuals are dies by suicide each year because of various reasons. More over the suicides are happening in the families whose own land is less than 1-2 hectares, who are in debt, have been identified the most at risk for suicide. The present article aims at better understanding of the causes, consequences and possible coping strategies for the agrarian distress in India. Causes such as fluctuations in crop sales, weather and climate conditions, dependent on natural resources, etc. are discussed in detail. Consequences of agrarian stress are suicides of farmers, rural migration, food insecurity, environmental impacts and so on. Solutions such as strengthening the forward markets, comprehensive crop insurance schemes for the framers where the non-MSP (Minimum Support Price) crops also may be covered, assured price to the farmers are discussed. Many researchers argued that farmers suicides are increasing but the research is limited in the specialised area of interest. In addition to that, researchers are focussing only on the socio-economic variables rather than the psychological variables. In order to mitigate the risks out of agrarian distress, farmers should be encouraged by the government and extension service providers to take up the subsidiary occupations and secondary agricultural occupations which helps them in getting profits in the situations where the crop damages due to the extreme weather patterns. As rightly pointed out by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), distress of the framers should have a long-term potential solution such as major reforms in the existing agricultural laws rather than farm loan waivers which acts as the short-term relief to the farmers.

Determinants of maize farmers willingness to pay for private extension services in Ejisu municipality, Ghana

In recent times, private sector involvement in extension services delivery in Ghana has increased. We assessed farmers' willingness to pay (WTP) for private extension services. We used quantitative techniques and selected 385 farmers through multistage sampling technique. Farmers’ had a good perception of private extension services because of its flexibility, availability, value for money, and acceptable rates. Income, secondary occupation, marital status, extension contact, amount of maize sold every season, and land tenure system have an effect on farmers' WTP and the amount to pay. Government policies should continue to encourage and support private sector participation in providing extension services.

Coffee Production Levels among Smallholder Farmers with and without Hanns. R. Neumann Stiftung Interventions in Rungwe and Mbeya Districts

This study examined and compared coffee production levels among smallholder farmers, those involved, and those not involved with Hanns R. Neumann Stiftung (HRNS) interventions since 2006. The study sample was selected using systematic and random sampling techniques, whereby 104 out of 413 respondents were selected from two wards and five villages within the HRNS intervention zone, as well as five villages without HRNS interventions; farmers in both groups being members of Umalila Agricultural Marketing Cooperatives (AMCOS) and Kyobo, Tutafika, and Ikuti AMCOS. The production levels were then compared for two samples in Mbeya and Rungwe Districts, respectively. Questionnaires, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews were used to collect primary data, which were complemented by secondary data from documentary reviews. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, and means, were employed to analyse socio-economic characteristics and coffee production parameters. The study findings revealed that smallholder coffee farmers’ yields increased significantly with HRNS interventions, reaching 248.66 kg/ha, compared to 115.18 kg/ha for coffee farmers outside the HRNS intervention. The findings indicate that HRNS interventions have a positive impact on smallholder coffee farmers who are beneficiaries of the HRNS program. Thus, the findings highlight the critical significance of government assistance in sustaining such programs. The study recommends for sustained Tanzanian government support for HRNS-like interventions, such as the continual provision of quality seedlings, fertilizers, and extension services to enhance coffee production. This study contributes to the theoretical understanding of agricultural interventions by comparing smallholder farmers’ coffee production with and without HRNS interventions. It demonstrates the usefulness of HRNS in increasing yields, emphasizing the significance of focused interventions in coffee production.

The Determinants and Synergies of Livelihood Choices Across Climate-vulnerable Regions: An Empirical Analysis from Rural Bangladesh

This study explores the role of diverse climatic vulnerabilities and socio- economic variables in explaining Bangladeshi rural households’ livelihood choices and the synergies that exist across the choices. We develop a multivariate probit model for analysing a dataset of 5,604 households that is representative of rural Bangladesh. The findings reveal a landscape where agriculture-based strategies predominate, with households strategically combining various approaches. Households complement agriculture-based strategies, while substituting beyond agriculture-based strategies. Climate stressors such as flood, salinity, river erosion, drought, storms and cyclones induce notable shifts in livelihood choices. Among these, the most prominent is the substantial influence of storm and cyclone vulnerability. Migration is more prevalent in areas susceptible to salinity, storms and cyclones, while casual labour prevails in drought-prone and flood-vulnerable regions. Households residing in the economically marginalized and environmentally vulnerable feed-the-future (FtF) zone make distinct decisions regarding income strategies compared to their counterparts in other rural areas across the country. Households in this zone exhibit a higher likelihood of opting for specific agriculture-based income sources and casual labour, while self-employment, migration and salaried jobs are less favoured. Furthermore, we elucidate the pivotal role of infrastructure, information access and institutional factors in shaping income sources. Households in different divisions make distinct livelihood choices, especially in agriculture. Ultimately, the findings advocate for precise interventions tailored to climate vulnerabilities. This includes enhancements in road connectivity, the utilization of mobile banking and the provision of extension services, with a specific focus on geographically marginalized and climate-vulnerable regions.

المشكلات التي تواجه مقدمي الخدمة الارشادية الزراعية لمواجهة اثار التغيرات المناخية في محافظة بغداد

The research aimed to determine the problems facing agricultural extension service providers to face the effects of climate change, the research community included all workers in the provision of agricultural extension service in the province of Baghdad and distributed to the Department of Agriculture of Baghdad Karkh and agricultural divisions affiliated to it and the Department of Agricultural Extension and Training in the province of Baghdad, the number of (110) individuals. All members of the community were taken as a sample for research due to their small number. To achieve the objectives of the research, a questionnaire was prepared to collect data from the respondents, consisting of (28) items distributed in three areas (problems concerned to farmers, problems concerned to agricultural extension service providers themselves, problems concerned to coordination and government support). The results of the research showed that there are several problems that hinder the workflow of service providers' agricultural extension services in providing their extension services to farmers in the field of facing the effects of climate changes in varying degrees, as the problem of the lack of specialists in agricultural extension in the field of climate changes came in the first place in terms of importance, which got a weighted mean of (3.68) degrees and a weight percentile of (92%), While the problem of extension service providers not having the skills and knowledge in determining the best agricultural practices to face climate change came in the last place in terms of importance, which got a weighted mean of (3.13) degrees with a weight percentile of (78.25%). The researcher recommended the necessity of adopting the research findings regarding the problems faced by agricultural counseling service providers and working on resolving them through the development of a training and educational plan to enhance their skills and capacities in dealing with agricultural challenges associated with climate change. Additionally, it emphasized the importance of governments and financial institutions providing financial and moral support to enhance their ability to deliver effective agricultural counseling services and assist them in tackling the challenges and problems they encounter.

Economic viability and factors affecting farmers’ willingness to pay for adopting small-scale biogas plants in rural areas of Cameroon

This study provides an in-depth economic analysis to aid decision-making in the adoption of small-scale biogas technology in rural areas of Cameroon. It also provides evidence of the field investment characteristics of the biogas energy supply in rural areas of Cameroon. The methodology focused on assessing the economic viability of different sizes of biogas plants and the willingness of farmers to pay for the same. A sample of 180 farmers was selected for the study. Data collection was carried out from December 2020 to May 2021 using a questionnaire survey and participant observation. The results show that all small-scale biogas plants are economically viable. Benefit-cost ratios were 1.01, 1.19, 1.50, 1.02, 1.21 and 2.04 for the 4 m3, 6 m3, 8 m3, 10 m3, 20 m3, and 25 m3 biogas plants. The net present values in US dollars (USD) were 959, 1790, 2695, 2658, 6047, and 12267 for the 4 m3, 6 m3, 8 m3, 10 m3, 20 m3, and 25 m3 biogas plants, respectively. The internal rate of return was higher than the applied discount rate of 12 %. The minimum payback period of 2.24 years was recorded for the 25 m3 while the maximum of 3.37 years was recorded for the 10 m3 biogas plants, respectively. With a disproportionate increase in the cost of biogas plants by 20 % and a 20 % decrease in benefits with a discount factor, the net returns are positive, indicating that all biogas plants are economically viable. The mean willingness to pay is estimated at 13 USD or 8000 FCFA. This resulted in an average repayment period of 11.5 years. The provision of extension services, financial incentives, and regulation of the small-scale biogas market will motivate farmers to adopt the technology.