Bembridge, T.J. (author), Tshikolomo, K.S. (author), and Bembridge: Professor and Head, Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, University of Fort Hare; Tshikolomo: Lecturer, Madzivhandila Agricultural College, Venda
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1992
Published:
South Africa: Pretoria, South Africa : The South African Society for Agricultural Extension
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 91 Document Number: C06653
James F. Evans Collection; See C06647 for original, Population characteristics typified a culture of rural poverty, with a large proportion of female headed households, low levels of literacy, low incomes, health problems, a general lack of the basic amenities of life, and limited agricultural resources. There was a low level of political orientation and a general distrust of officialdom. Major household decisions concerned basic needs of housing improvement, establishing orchards and purchasing livestock. Interpersonal media was the most frequently used and had the highest credibility in decision making, which included limited research based information. Suggestions are made for strategies to enhance the communication of research based information by working through opinion leaders and strengthening extension directed at sustained rural development (original).
Bembridge, T.J. (author), Tshikesho, D.R. (author), and Bembridge: Professor and Head, Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, University of Fort Hare; Tshikesho: Professional Agricultural Officer, Namibia Ministry of Agriculture, Owambo, Namibia
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1992
Published:
South Africa: Pretoria, South Africa : The South African Society for Agricultural Extension
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 91 Document Number: C06652
James F. Evans Collection; See C06647 for original, Owambo agricultural producers had high levels of illiteracy (44%) and 30% were over 60 years of age. Average extended family size was about 10 persons and approximately two-thirds had incomes below the minimum subsistence level, and many lacked resources for agricultural production. Communal grazing areas were overstocked and lacking in management. There was a low rate of adoption of accepted farming practices, leading to low yields and production levels. Suggestions are put forward for improving agricultural knowledge systems, including strengthening extension services and local institutions (original).
James F. Evans Collection; See C06647 for original; Based on a thesis submitted to the University of Pretoria in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree M. Inst. Agrar., This study examines the influence of tribal leaders and front line extension workers on agricultural development in Swaziland. Based on a 12 percent stratified random sample including 23 chiefdomss, 46 tribal leaders and 23 front line extension workers were interviewed by using a structured interview schedule. In search of a valid measure of agricultural development, several indicators were used. The number of cattle per homestead, the saving status of homesteads and the subjective ratings by senior extension personnel were found to be invalid. Evaluated against an agricultural development index it was found that tribal leaders, although not as important as extension workers, were found to have a significant influence, especially as far as their involvement, inputs, credibility and their perceptions are concerned. These findings suggest that tribal leaders, if involved in a positive way, can contribute towards agricultural development, although more research is needed concerning, inter alia, valid criteria for measuring agricultural development and the analysis of the perceptions of subordinates (original).
