Participatory Extension Research Articles

Integrated pest management farmer field school of Chinese cabbage for young farmers in Batu City

The Abinaya Milenial Youth Farmers Group in Sumber Brantas Village, Bumiaji District, Batu City, faces significant challenges in cultivating Chinese cabbage due to a high incidence of clubroot disease caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae, with infection rates reaching 50–80 percent, leading to crop failure. The overuse of synthetic pesticides has resulted in pathogen resistance. Therefore, we adopted an integrated pest management (IPM) approach focusing on long-term prevention by integrating ecologically-based control techniques. The principles of IPM include managing healthy plants, preserving natural enemies, monitoring, and enhancing farmers' ecological understanding to become IPM experts. Through the IPM Farmer Field School (IPM-FFS), we aimed to implement ecological IPM, improve agroecosystem health, and support sustainable agriculture through participatory extension methods. Activities were conducted from June to November 2023 in Sumber Brantas Village, Bumiaji District, Batu City. The activities included surveys, planning, socialization, teaching, training, and follow-up. The IPM-FFS successfully developed standard operating procedures for Chinese cabbage management, increasing farmers' knowledge of IPM by 85 percent. The adoption of IPM reduced the incidence of clubroot disease to 20 percent, increased production by 420 kg, and reduced production costs by IDR 403,000 on an area of 400 m2. Farmers independently produce compost, compost tea, botanical pesticides, mycorrhizae, and fungicides through the IPM-FFS, empowering them in sustainable agriculture.

IDENTIFIKASI MODEL PENYULUHAN PARTISIPATIF PADA PETANI PADI DI KABUPATEN ACEH UTARA

Aceh Utara has the largest number of farmers in Aceh Province, namely 82,877 farmers who are members of 4,939 farmer groups. This shows that extension activities are carried out well in Aceh Utara. Extension activities are generally carried out starting from planning, implementation and evaluation activities. However, these activities need to be carried out in a participatory manner by actively involving rice farmers in each activity so that an appropriate model in the extension program is important to achieve targeted extension goals. The aim of this research is to identify a participatory extension model for lowland rice farmers, analyzed descriptively qualitatively. The research results showThe participatory extension model in Aceh Utara is implemented according to procedures, but there is a need to improve the model, namely by establishing farmer contacts and activating their involvement as an extension of the extension agent and as someone who is most trusted by farmers so that the extension program can run well and make it possible to minimize the obstacles faced instructor.

Resilience building in agricultural extension programmes: application of a resilience framework and development of a farmer-focused assessment tool

ABSTRACT Purpose Participatory extension programmes (PEPs) are a well-known approach to achieve change on an on-farm level. This study examines whether there is a change in on-farm resilience due to PEP participation, by identifying whether participation leads to an increase in resilience capacities, and which aspects of the programme contribute to this. Design/Methodology/Approach A case study was selected in Aotearoa New Zealand, where 33 interviewees had participated in a 3-year PEP. Findings Findings show that participation in the PEP led to an increase in the resilience capacities robustness and adaptability. Attributes via which the PEP contributed to this are: (i) increasing openness by connecting to others in the community and learning collectively, (ii) increasing diversity by using new tools and diversifying land use, and (iii) improving system reserves by building labour and feed resources. Practical implications A resilience framework is applied to evaluation that helps decision-makers identify the multifaceted effects of PEP participation. Insights from the study also contribute to future design of agricultural PEPs, by enabling resilience-building attributes through a novel ‘resilience wheel’ assessment tool. Theoretical implications Novel theoretical insights from this study include that PEPs can be evaluated by using a resilience framework and show which resilience attributes are specifically important to establish change via PEP participation. Originality/value This research is the first to evaluate the effect of PEP participation from a resilience perspective.

Social Media as a Platform to Increase Participation of Extension Workers and Farmers in Achieving SDGs

The development of farming and agribusiness is a relevant and ideal choice considering the geographical structure of Indonesia as an agricultural country. However, there is a trend in society, particularly among the millennial generation, that prefers to focus on the mechanical industry, financial business, and entertainment. This situation is exacerbated by adolescents∧ widespread use of digital communication technologies and the occurrence of a pandemic, raising concerns that public participation in the agriculture sector may dwindle considerably. Based on several of these manifestations, an analysis was carried out that it was important to use internet-based digital communication tools as a medium of socialization while increasing community participation in agriculture. Social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram can be used to communicate and improve production and marketing through e-commerce in order to fulfill sustainable development goals (SDGs). Social media is not simply a means of contact between extension workers and farmersit can also be used to exchange information, innovate, build marketing networks, and obtain other farming supplies. This study aims to optimize the participation of extension workers and farmers in agricultural extension and communication activities. The study also intends to demonstrate the importance of using social media as a non-formal learning tool for farmers and the general public interested in agribusiness. This research applied the constructivist research paradigm with a systematical review method to explore and redefine social media as a medium of participatory extension and communication. As a result, the WhatsApp application provides a social media platform that extension workers and farmers can use for socialization, debate, and consulting to boost agricultural product output and marketing.
 Keywords: social media, participation, counseling, communication

Factors driving the adoption of organic tea farming in the northern region of Bangladesh

Tea is a regular export item for Bangladesh, but due to slow growth in production, the country's tea exports have declined. However, organic tea has a great future in this regard. Exploring the underlying factors for the adoption of organic tea farming has great potential for the development of tea production in a sustainable manner. Therefore, our main objective was to identify factors influencing tea growers’ attitudes, perceptions, and adoption of organic tea farming in the Panchagarh district of Bangladesh. We adopted the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to investigate the underlying factors affecting the farmers' belief in the adoption of organic farming were measured based on control factors (marketing factors and cost and benefit factors), attitude towards organic farming, and social factors (extension factors) through a binary logistic regression model. Results of this study revealed that organic growers had a more favorable perception, which was significantly different from non-organic growers reading of various factors related to organic farming. Our results demonstrated that education and knowledge significantly influence the farmers to form a highly favorable attitude towards organic tea farming, which together explained 20.6 percent (R2 = 0.206) of the overall variance. Moreover, attitudes towards organic farming and cost-benefit (CBF) factors had a significant impact on the adoption of organic tea farming. Results also revealed that the predicted adoption probability was found to be higher among those farmers who had a highly favorable attitude and a high perceived CBF level towards organic farming. Finally, based on the findings, we concluded that a participatory extension program to enhance the level of knowledge related to organic tea farming could significantly impact farmers’ attitudes and behaviors towards the practice of organic tea farming.

Peningkatan Capacity Building Aparatur Nagari Suayan dalam Pemanfaatan Kios SKM dan Menganalisis Data Survey Kepuasan Masyarakat

This community service activity is an advanced stage for the second year, funded by the Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM) Universitas Negeri Padang. This activity aims to assist in increasing the knowledge and skills of Nagari Suayan officials in conducting technology-based community satisfaction surveys (SKM) in the form of utilizing SKM kiosk machines and activities to analyze SKM results data. The SKM Kiosk is an SKM survey recording machine that utilizes digital technology. The method in this activity uses training and mentoring, "participatory extension". The results achieved in this activity included the following: Apparatus became skilled and accustomed to using/utilizing SKM Kiosk machines, making it easier for them to record SKM surveys and apparatus were also able to analyze and process SKM results data and were able to interpret data analysis results and be able to provide solutions or breakthroughs (innovations) in realizing services that satisfy the community towards excellent service in the Nagari.

Participatory extension for empowerment: Paradoxes unboxed in the fishery sector

The study looked at levels of participation in the extension approach of the NGO tapped to implement coastal resource management under the Fishery Sector Program and the Fisheries Resource Management Project (FSP-FRMP) in Leyte, Philippines and whether participatory extension led to the empowerment of fishers. The Spearman Ranks Correlation Test showed that participation and empowerment were correlated with correlation coefficient rs=0.30125, which represents weak correlation. Respondents’ participation and empowerment levels were low due to several factors that included demoralizing attitude of local government officials, disruption in FSP-FRMP implementation, overassertiveness of NGO staff, squabbling among program implementers, and fisherfolk’s sense of the futility of their efforts. Respondents saw participatory extension as a hollow process that pretended to give small fishers control over management of fishery resources, when in fact the elite continued to dominate. It was concluded that participatory extension may or may not promote empowerment, depending on several factors. Participatory extension was inadequate in bringing about true empowerment, because true empowerment calls for the revamp of socioeconomic-political structure that acts against the interest of poor fishers. With externally-initiated development programs being time-bound, NGOs implementing them are forced by expediency to accomplish fund-provider-set targets on time, thus disregarding time-consuming participatory processes.

Highland Maize Technology Demonstration: Evidence from Three Maize Growing Districts of West and Southwest Ethiopia

Maize is Ethiopia's most important crop in terms of production, and it contributes significantly to the country's economic and social development. The study was conducted in Wonchi, Ejere, and Kersa Malima districts of South West Shewa and West Shewa zone of Oromia region, Ethiopia, to evaluate and identify adaptable improved maize varieties and familiarize farmers with highland maize production techniques. The districts were selected purposively based on their production potential and accessibility for maize production. In this study, a participatory extension approach is employed as part of the methodology to select a demonstration site and host farmers. A total of 54 host farmers were chosen, and the trial was conducted on selected farmers' fields, with three varieties planted side by side on equal-sized plots size (10m2 x 15m2) from each district. Highland maize namely Jibat and Hora varieties along with a standard check (BH-661) were demonstrated and evaluated for grain yield and other parameters across tested sites. In the course of the implementation phase, different levels of field days at different growth stages of the crop were organized for respective potential Kebeles, and during the event stakeholders including host farmers and surrounding farmers, researchers, development agents, agricultural experts, and administrators attended to share experience, evaluate performance, and communicate the activity's progress. The variety selection process was carried out from different dimensions including both pre-harvest and post-harvest assessments. Using these criteria, the farmers identified varieties that are appropriate for their specific locations. Accordingly, host farmers showed special interest in Jibat and Hora varieties respectively. Overall grain yield performances of Jibat and Hora varieties on farmers' fields were 5.1 and 3.8 t/ha-1, respectively. Furthermore, the yield advantage of the two preferred varieties over the standard ones ranged from 54.9% to 15.1% in the three tested districts as compared to the standard checks. Beside this research intervention made impact to improving food security, livelihood, and knowledge and skill of host farmers in the study area. Hence, Based on the study's findings, it is recommended that the Jibat maize variety should be scaled up in the farming community to improve the maize production and productivity of the area, thereby improving their livelihood.

Indonesian rice farmers’ perceptions of different sources of information and their effect on farmer capability

Abstract The diverse sources of agricultural extension information do not guarantee increased farmers’ capabilities to adopt agricultural innovations. Consequently, efforts to accelerate the adoption of agricultural innovations should pay particular attention to farmers’ compatibility with different information sources. This study aims to analyze farmers’ perceptions of various information sources about rice commodity innovations and determine the information sources influencing farmers’ capabilities in adopting rice innovations. The study was conducted from June to December 2019 through a structured survey approach with 270 rice farmers in Subang, West Java and Boyolali, Central Java, Indonesia, by using structural equation model analysis. The results showed that rice farmers had positive perceptions of government, private, and self-subsistent extension. The capability level of rice farmers showed that all indicators were significantly different. Farmers could improve their capabilities and sustainability of rice farming by adopting agricultural innovations. Information from government and private extension providers had a positive effect on the capacity and capability of rice farmers. The role of self-subsistent extension was more of a facilitator and did not directly affect the capacity and capability of farmers. Participatory extension activities are recommended as a form of intervention that can improve rice farmers’ capacity and capability in terms of technology adoption processes. The extension activities should be provided as a series, rather than one-off events, so that farmer knowledge accumulates over time through a style and pace to match their skills and level of education.

FTC Based Forage Demonstration of Elephant Grass Technology in Ginchi, Wonchi and Debrelibanose District, Oromia National Regional State of Ethiopia

The study was conducted in three dairy potential areas of Ginchi, Wonchi, and Debrelibanose districts of Oromia region Ethiopia, to demonstrate promising elephant grass materials to smallholder dairy farmers. As a part of the methodology, a participatory extension approach is employed in this particular study to select a demonstration site. A total of 6 FTC were selected with an area of 10m2x20m2 plot sizes from each district. Elephant grass with accession numbers (14794) material as a candidate along with the check were demonstrated and evaluated for their biomass yield across tested sites. During the implementation phase, on-spot theoretical and practical training was provided to the smallholder farmers, development agents, and agricultural experts of the respective districts. The findings of this research revealed that there was a statistical significant difference in dry matter yield of demonstrated candidate material (accession 14794) over the local check at (p<0.01) probability level. And the dry matter yield of the candidate (accession 14794) ranged from 13.50 to 4.92 t/ha with a mean of 9.21 t/ha while the check provided 8.75 t/ha and 3.91 t/ha dry matter yield across the tested site. Moreover, Elephant/Napier grass materials responded differently across the tested sites because of differential responses of the climatic and biotic factors. The best average yield of the candidate (Accession #14794) were recorded at Ginchi district (10.40 t/ha) and followed by Debrelibanose district (8.87 t/ha) as compare to Wonchi district due to field management and another climate variability’s. Thus, the study recommended that it’s paramount to promote (accession#14794) elephant grass material with its recommended production package for further scaling up and popularization to the study area under similar agro ecology with the joint effort of district office of agriculture, non-government organizations and by other concerned stakeholders.

DRAWING EXPERIENCES ON PARTICIPATORY FORESTRY EXTENSION APPROACHES: IMPLICATION FOR FORESTRY EXTENSION IN ETHIOPIA

Forestry extension in Ethiopia has been mirrored in the agriculture extension package as one aspect commonly to address land and forest degradation. In contrast to the top-down approach, the participatory extension has given momentum to promote afforestation and rehabilitation of degraded land for transferring sufficient knowledge and addressing growers’ choices to raise tree species for various purposes. However, the research on forestry-related participatory technology development, adaption, and extension seems overlooked. The purpose of this review was to draw on the experiences of countries with low economic development on participatory forestry technologies development and extension. Hence, I reviewed good practices of various selected countries where forestry participatory extension approaches have been effective. The result of the review shows that participatory extension approaches like group training, demonstration trial, farmer's field school, and community-based extension approaches have been effective in forest management and livelihood development in the forest sector. Therefore, the review implies that key forestry stakeholders engaging in research, technology development and extension should prioritize participatory approaches to address both community needs and ecological aspects.

A extensão universitária na Ciência da Informação: uma abordagem crítico participativa

Introduction:The current society has been identified as the Information Society. Questions related to information and its flow are instigated to its understanding and social influence, taking into account documents, varied contents and subjects, diversified behaviors and people who use, receive and reproduce information. The university has the role of contributing to the transformation, training and social awareness from the inseparability between teaching, research and extension by impacting on the personal and professional formation of society, however, the small amount of publication in information science, on the extension university in the community in a situation of social vulnerability, provokes us to question the social relevance of the Extension Program of the Department of Information Science of the Federal University of Santa Catarina. Objective: Thus, through an analysis of the extension in information science, this research article in progress, has the followingobjective:to reflect on the importance and social relevance of the extension carried out in the community in a situation of socialvulnerability. Methodology:used is qualitative with an interpretive critical approach, in two distinct and connected moments: the bibliographical research, in this study,and the field research in the data collection. Result:the practice of participatory extension is evident where, in an interdisciplinary and democratic way, the distance between the academic world and the periphery community, between scientific and popular knowledge, can be reduced through university extension in Information Science. Conclusion: These will be confirmed or not at theconclusionof the ongoing field research through interviews and document analysis

PEMBENTUKAN DESA LAYAK ANAK DESA BOLO KECAMATAN KARE KABUPATEN MADIUN

The Village Government controls the existence of natural resources and human resources in the Village. A safe, comfortable and well-cultured environment is the dream of every child in the fulfillment of children's rights. So it is appropriate for the village to provide proper facilities and infrastructure for children's lives. So it is necessary to have a child-friendly village. The expected targets include: 1. The establishment of a child-friendly village can be implemented 2. There is intensive communication between Bolo Village Government officials and the community, 3. There are positive and significant changes to the Village Government regarding a proper environment for children. The methods used in community service are gradual participatory extension and the “PRA” (Participatory Rural Appraisal) approach. The participatory extension method referred to is that the extension worker is actively involved in assisting the community service target group (Village Government Officials and PKK) during the implementation of the service program. Meanwhile, the “PRA (Participatory Rural Appraisal)” approach emphasizes the active involvement of the target group in the formation of child-friendly villages. Meanwhile, the result of community service is a change in positive attitudes, that is, there is public awareness of the environment that is suitable for children.

Wellbeing, environmental sustainability and profitability: Including plurality of logics in participatory extension programmes for enhanced farmer resilience

AbstractEnvironmental sustainability and economic challenges are requiring significant change in the agricultural sector, and this is driving an increased focus on farmer and farm business resilience. Participatory extension programmes (PEPs) are a well‐known approach for supporting farmer change. The objective of this article is to explore how a PEP based on peer‐to‐peer learning can support farmers in increasing resilience. Our study examines the interaction of wellbeing, environmental change and profitability through the applications of an institutional logics evaluation framework. We interviewed 24 participants in a PEP based in Northland, New Zealand. Findings show that PEPs can provide a safe space to discuss wellbeing challenges and link farmers with networks to support them on their wellbeing journey. We found that farmer wellbeing is intrinsically linked to other pressures that farmers face around profitability and sustainability, and therefore PEPs need to balance these three pillars. This article adds to the current literature by expanding an institutional logics evaluation framework and identifying the role of different actors in change mechanisms.

The impact of agricultural extension type and form on technical efficiency under transition: An empirical assessment of wheat production in Uzbekistan

Agricultural Extension Services (AES) have the potential to increase agricultural productivity and sustainability. Although an extensive body of literature investigates into the impact of AES on technical efficiency in agricultural production, analyses of the combined effect of extension types and forms are still hard to come by within the international literature. Using the example of wheat farmers in Uzbekistan, this study is the first to assess the combined impact of extension types and forms. Using cross-sectional data for 323 wheat farmers, we employ a single-stage Maximum Likelihood procedure for a stochastic frontier production function for three different specifications. Specifically, extension frequency, type of extension systems, and a set of extensionist participatory approaches are purposefully distinguished in the analysis alongside other farm characteristics and observed covariates. Our study found that there are still considerable technical efficiency gaps in wheat production. In particular, aside farmers’ characteristics, the frequency of extension visits and extension participatory approaches are significant in explaining technical efficiency differences among wheat farmers in Uzbekistan and would thus be conducive to close mentioned efficiency gaps. We suggest that under a simplified state regulatory framework, a well-structured system of AES should be client-oriented, cost-efficient, and demand-driven. In order to close existing inefficiency gaps, all farmers should have access to participatory extension services.

Could the influence of monitor farm programmes on practice change be BETTER? Lessons from sheep farmers and advisors in Ireland

ABSTRACT Purpose: To examine the influence of monitor farm programmes on practice change using the Irish BETTER farm sheep programme as a case study. Methodology: A mixed methods approach combining 16 semi-structured and 69 structured interviews with benchmarking data analysis. Findings: Provision of intensive, tailored advice helped support practice change on the participating monitor farms. They increased productivity through changes in management practices, which positively impacted on financial performance. Monitor farmers also positively influenced members of their associated discussion groups to make practice changes. Practical Implications: Practical recommendations for similar programmes are discussed such as the need for different and additional extension approaches to influence and support the adoption of more complex practices and the potential for greater input from farmers into the design and implementation of extension programmes. Theoretical Implications: From a practice change perspective evaluating the influence of a more structured participatory extension programme (PEP) on a participating farmer is easier than the evaluation of the influence of the PEP on the wider farming community, particularly when the evaluation is not incorporated into the original programme design. Originality: Adding to the relatively small number of PEP evaluations in developed countries, the influence of monitor farm programmes on both the monitor farmer and their associated discussion group peers is examined for a wide range of practices using a mixed methods approach.

Critical analysis of an extensionist intervention

Technical assistance and rural extension (ATER) are fundamental services in the process of social and economic reproduction of rural populations, and can go beyond the transfer of new technologies, valuing knowledge from rural communities, expanding the participatory perspective and promoting rural development . Thus, the present work aims to carry out a critical analysis of Project A according to its intrinsic characteristics and extensionist approach. As a methodological strategy, a qualitative approach was used, which will be developed from a documentary analysis of collections provided by the entity. The appreciation of the character of Project A was carried out through content analysis, which provided the following categories of analysis: Social Inclusion, Capacity Building, Educational, Ecological and Environmental Process. In addition, the participatory extension approach was analyzed according to the indications of Haverroth (2012) and Valente (2005). The results obtained show that Project A promotes inclusion through the creation of a space for dialogue and learning of a professional activity for People with Disabilities (PwDs), as well as attention to ableism. The project had an adequate educational process for the students, which involved theory, practice and psychomotor development. Regarding the ecological and environmental aspect, the project was able to teach about recycling, sustainability and made it possible for them to become disseminators of sustainability. The analysis of the diffusionist approach showed that Project A, despite having a strong influence from the participatory approach, also has characteristics of the diffusionist and systemic approaches.

Cotton, fragile economic lifeline for West African smallholders

Cotton production in francophone W. Africa is in danger of collapse in coming years, due to stagnating yields, increasing costs, and depressed prices, with dramatic effects for smallholder producers and their countries. The question is, does cotton have a future in W. Africa, and what is needed to safeguard that future? This paper reviews the current status of the cotton sector in Burkina Faso, as an example of a West African francophone cotton growing country, ways to remedy the existing weaknesses and steps to be taken towards a healthy, productive, and durable product chain. Current yields are low, and profitability is weak, due to several causes, ranging from agronomic to organisational and trade-related factors, the latter both at local and international level. There are several opportunities to narrow the ‘yield gap’ between actual and potential yield thereby at farm and community level enhancing profitability, by technical and organisational measures. The interventions should be tested at farm and community level using participatory research methods and, if performant, promoted by participatory extension methods. In the medium and long term, Integration of cotton within the overall cropping system should be undertaken, rather than running it as a stand-alone activity as is currently the case. This will strengthen the crop's resilience to pests, compensate for the losses in one crop by the yield of another, and improve the sustainability of crop production as a whole. In respect of sector organisation, there is a need for reform of both farmers’ organisations and service providers to effectively implement these interventions. The GPC should transform themselves into genuine primary societies, whose primary task will be to look after their members’ interests. In the longer term, the development of a local textile industry presents a beckoning perspective on the road to a complete and remunerative cotton sector.

THE EFFECT OF PARTICIPATORY MODEL ELUCIDATION ON THE PRACTICE OF SUPPLEMENTARY FEEDING (MP-ASI) ON GROWTH STATUS IN 12-24 MONTHS OF CHILDREN IN THE WEST LOMBOK DISTRICT

Background: Counseling on the practice of feeding infants and children to mothers with babies 0-24 months is an educational effort that can produce community behavior to increase knowledge (Suharjo, 2003). Counseling often carried out in the community by nutrition officers and posyandu cadres about feeding practices usually uses the lecture method and question and answer discussion. However, the method above makes the target bored quickly and less interested, so the results are not optimal. Another method that can help is participatory counseling or adult learning (POD), which emphasizes that participants are directly involved and carry out two-way communication and share experiences from each participant (Kemenkes, 2015). One of these methods is the participatory extension method. Research Methods: The study was carried out in the working area of the Kediri Health Center, West Lombok Regency, with 15 case groups and 15 control groups and had the same characteristics for three months, from September to November 2018. The study used a quasi-experimental method, pre-test post-test control group design. The data collected included data on characteristics, body weight, level of knowledge, and intake before and after giving participatory counseling interventions. Data analysis used an independent t-test to see the effect of participatory method counseling on children's growth status. Research Result: The results showed that the education level of all respondents (100%) achieved primary education, namely Elementary School (SD) and Junior High School (SMP). The results showed that the samples' average weight gain or growth status, treatment, and control, was 0.4 Kg. There is a significant effect on the growth status of children aged 12-24 months for weight gain in both cases and controls. Both have increased. Viewed from the level of knowledge, most of the respondents have a sufficient level of expertise, and the increase in the knowledge possessed by respondents in the treatment is not better than control. Conclusion: There is no effect of participatory method counseling on the level of knowledge of the case and control groups. Results counseling with participatory methods can change the eating patterns of children aged 12-24 months in the treatment group, as seen from the number, frequency, and variety of menus served by mothers of toddlers. Suggestion: There needs to be a continuation of research with the same method, but the dependent variable is diet (amount, frequency, variety, and cleanliness)

Farmer extension facilitators as a pathway for climate smart agriculture: evidence from southern Malawi

ABSTRACT Climate smart agriculture (CSA) is increasingly vital for enhancing agricultural adaptation to extreme weather shocks and sequestering carbon in the face of climate change. However, CSA adoption remains low in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and other developing regions due to resource constraints and weak agricultural extension systems, among other factors. To reverse this trend and increase CSA adoption, the use of participatory extension services like farmer extension facilitators (FEFs) are increasingly viewed as a pathway to improving extension services in rural communities in SSA and elsewhere. Yet, rigorous analyses of the impacts of the FEF approach as a pathway for CSA adoption remain limited. Here we estimate the impacts of the FEF approach on CSA adoption in terms of resource intensity of CSA practices promoted by FEFs through a large CSA-related intervention in southern Malawi. We apply recursive bivariate probit regression to primary survey data from a sample of 808 households across five districts in the project area across southern Malawi in 2016, accounting for endogeneity and selection bias in farmer interaction with FEFs and the impact of the FEF approach on CSA adoption. Results show that interaction with FEFs had a positive and statistically-significant impact on CSA adoption; low, medium, and high resource intensity CSA categories increased by 42%, 87%, and 96%, respectively. The results suggest that the FEF approach can significantly enhance CSA adoption and thereby contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, including climate action in Malawi, similar contexts in SSA, and elsewhere. Key Policy Insights Participatory extension systems like the FEF approach can improve agricultural extension services in poor communities and thereby enhance CSA adoption in such areas. Smallholder farmer interaction with FEFs can enhance their adoption of resource-intensive CSA practices. Mainstreaming the FEF approach into national adaptation policies and programmes can help scale up CSA adoption in dryland communities. The FEF approach can enhance an achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, including climate action in dryland developing countries.