14 pages, This paper seeks to assess the factors influencing the adoption of the improved crop management practices (ICMP) in Boane District in Mozambique. The study was carried out using a qualitative survey method with a semi-structured interview schedule. Regression analysis and Pearson correlations were used to analyse the factors, constraints, and opportunities influencing the adoption of the improved crop management practices. The study covered a sample of 50 households. The results of the study show that the majority of the farmers (68%) in the Boane District adopted the improved crop management practices, compared to those who did not adopt them (32%). According to the logistic regression analysis, two factors (age and access to credit) were significant (p<0.05) at the 5% level of significance with the adoption of ICMP, meaning that age and access to credit have an influence on the adoption of the improved crop management practices in the Boane District. The study recommended that the Agricultural Development Fund and the district development should solve the challenge of low financial investments, which is the major problem of most smallholder farmers, limiting their response to the production process, and to adopting the improved crop management practices in the Boane District.
13 Pages, This research was conducted to assess socio-economic factors influencing adoption of conservation agriculture in Moroto District of Uganda. The socio-economic factors, the level of conservation agriculture, and the constraints faced by the farmers were assessed. A cross-sectional research design was utilised to collect data from 80 farmers (adopters and non-adopters of conservation agriculture). Purposive random sampling was applied to select seven key informants in the two sub-counties of Katikekile and Nadunget, and four villages of Nakodet, Nakwanga, Napudes and Komare. Data were collected through personal observation, interviews, focus group discussions, and structured questionnaires. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to generate descriptive and inferential statistics for quantitative data analysis. The binary probit model was used to determine the socio-economic factors influencing adoption of conservation agriculture. The findings indicate that there was a significant influence for gender (p<0.01), but a statistically significant influence for credit and extension services (p<0.05). Finally, the adoption rate of conservation agriculture is still low given the size of land dedicated to it by most farmers. Therefore, this study recommends that government and other institutions should strengthen the agricultural extension system, provide financial support and incentives, and sensitize farmers on conservation agriculture.
14 pgs., The provision of farm management decision support and advisory services to insure climate resilient agricultural production systems, especially for subsistence farmers, depends on data on such producers. The main objective of the paper was to generate such data by comparing the status quo regarding dryland, subsistence grain farmers’ perceptions of climate variability, their adaptation strategies and crop productivity. Using a survey questionnaire, the comparison was made across time (2014 and 2017) in selected municipalities of Limpopo province. The findings across time and aggregated for all the different local municipalities investigated were similar regarding respondents’ perceptions of climate variability, adaptation strategies used and crop productivity. The perceptions revealed that respondents were aware of the reality of climate variability and its negative effects on their crop and livestock production, Agricultural productivity amongst extension and non-extension recipients was low, with minimal differences. These findings auger well for the development of common strategies to improve the effectiveness of the support for farm management including climate variability that is provided by the public agricultural extension service to the group of producers in this study to reduce the negative effects of climate variability on their crop productivity. This will eventually help to improve their food security.
11 pages., This paper was initiated in order to find the usage and relevance of theInformation and Communication Technologies(ICT) by the smallholder farmers of the Umzimvubu Local Municipality of the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. A survey questionnaire was then developed to collect the relevant data from randomly selected six villages of Umzimvubu Local Municipality targeting 138 respondents. The questionnaires structure employed both closed and open-ended questions that were administered using a face to face interview, conducted on the sample population in each village. There seems to be a correlation between ICT usage and the economies of scale in agricultural development, where smallholder farmers tend to use less of highly modernized ICT, while commercial large scale farmers use more of the modernized ICT. This disparity amongst farmers is exacerbated in many areas by the differing support systems employed by the public extension services.
15 pages., In the National Development Plan, cooperatives and agriculture development are identified as possible solutions for addressing rural poverty and unemployment, especially among the youth. However, according to most research/literature, agricultural cooperatives fail for many reasons, including but not limited to lack of capital, incompetent management and organizational deficiencies. This study applied a qualitative analysis to the qualitative data using a case study of Zanokhanyo Food Security Cooperative (ZFSC) in Ndabakazi, Butterworth. Interviews with the project members, ex-members, extension officers and youth were conducted through a semi-structured questionnaire administered in IsiXhosa. According to the results, lack of intensive production resulting in very low incomes is one of the reasons why projects such as ZFSC fail to attract young people and provide employment for rural people. Agricultural extension advisory services play a very limited role because of their generalist approach; they lack depth of knowledge about diverse agricultural subject areas. This study recommends that agricultural extension and the farmers’ support system be improved by employing or outsourcing specialists to cater to the needs of agricultural cooperatives in order to improve the productivity and income of agricultural cooperatives.
12 pages., The study reported on in this paper investigated smallholder farmers’ access to extension services. The study sought to distinguish the varying degrees of access to services of smallholder farmers engaged in different production systems, that is, home gardening, field cropping, and livestock production. The study was conducted in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape, specifically in two communities, namely Ngcabasa and Phathikhala villages. Research activities included a survey of 100 farmers as well as focus group discussions. Employing logistic regression analysis, the study aimed to understand what influences whether or not a smallholder farmer accesses extension. The study also used various types of comparative statistics (T-test) to assess the implications of access to extension support, for instance for production and farm income. The main findings of the study were that 68% of the farming households interviewed in Ngcabasa and 71% of those in Phathikhala had access to extension services. Farmers who had access to extension had more farm income in both enterprises compared to those who had no access to extension services. From the regression analysis, farmers who were more likely to receive extension support appeared to be those who were older, those with less education, and those farming with livestock.
11 pages, Changes occurring in the Extension environment include that of climate. Reduced and sporadic rainfall is among the effects of climate change and variability with consequent negative effects on food production. Smallholder agriculture in most developing countries world-wide, including South Africa, is largely rain-fed. Extension agents, therefore, need to constantly improve their capabilities to remain useful to farming communities. The purpose of the paper is to determine Extension agents' climate variability coping competencies required to effectively support smallholder crop farmers' production. The study adopted a multi-stage random sampling approach to site and respondents' selection. Semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data in 2014 from smallholder crop farmers in four municipalities of Limpopo province. Information was also collected from Extension managers and field-level extension agents of the Limpopo Department of Agriculture by means of questionnaires. The most popular climate variability coping strategy promoted by most extension agents was conservation agriculture. Small yield differences between Extension service-recipients and non-recipients indicate that Extension support has minimal effect on farmers' production. Agents need new competencies regarding correct application conservation agriculture. The study recommends the involvement of extension agents, scientists and farmers in adaptive trials for effective implementation of conservation agricultural practices to improve crop yields.
8 pages, Agricultural extension can be defined as the entire set of organisations that support and facilitate people engaged in agricultural production to solve problems and to obtain information, skills and technologies to improve their livelihoods and well-being. Extension officials should ensure that farmers are engaged and capacitated so that they can make production decisions that are not in conflict with nature, yet such decisions ensure that their well-being is improved. With 75% of the world’s poor living in rural areas, the topic of improved agriculture through agricultural extension is viewed as central to poverty reduction. There have been questions posed by stakeholders (communities, policy-makers and politicians) about the non-visibility and accountability of agricultural extension in the communities that it is supposed to help. There are however a number of factors (perceived or real) that make agricultural extension less or not visible nor accountable. Therefore, this paper investigates and proposes a theoretical framework or model to ensure that agricultural extension is visible and accountable to all stakeholders. This will in turn ensure that there are noticeable increases or improvement of the lives of the resource poor farmers and communities.
16 pages, Agricultural extension is one of the essential services that are offered by the South African Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development (DALRRD), to facilitate agricultural development in rural communities. The significance of agricultural extension is that it offers new knowledge to farmers and allows space for growth through various interventions such as agrarian transformation and improving livelihoods through the promotion of agriculture as a vehicle for ‘pro-poor’ economic growth. However, there is a concern that extension services are invisible in resource-restricted and previously marginalised rural communities. The study presented in this paper examined farmer’s experiences with extension practitioners and the impact of a lack of extension services on the development of impoverished rural communities. The researchers adopted a qualitative design wherein six focus group discussions were held to gather data from the farmers. Data were analyzed using ATLAS.ti22, a computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS). Four themes of extension services that have a direct linkage to livelihood development, namely, the impact on rural livelihoods, production challenges, marketability, and economic impact, and the invisibility of extension services, were the central point of discussion.
16 pages, Lack of access to agricultural extension and advisory services has been identified as one of the major challenges facing emerging farmers in South Africa. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of access to these services by emerging livestock farmers in uThungulu District Municipality of KwaZulu-Natal. A survey design was used with face-to-face interviews to collect data using a semi-structured questionnaire. A sample of 1 437 was randomly selected from 4 792 emerging livestock farmers in the district. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 software. The results show that more than 90% of emerging livestock farmers in the district had high access to public extension and 14% had access to private extension, in addition. About 32% of the respondents also had access to extension and advisory services from agricultural cooperatives. There was an improvement in access to these services by emerging farmers compared to the past. The involvement of the private sector and cooperatives in rendering extension and advisory services to emerging livestock farmers shows that various stakeholders are involved in improving emerging livestock farmers in the province.
20 pages, Smallholder agriculture is one of the imperative segments in the South African economy and it remains the imperative sector for livelihood generation. Farmers use mass media to access information needed for agricultural purposes to enhance agricultural practice and profitability. This study investigates the socio-economic drivers of using mass media for agricultural purposes by smallholder farmers in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study applied a descriptive survey research design to interview 200 smallholder farmers using a semi-structured survey. Data engendered were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Logistic regression model. The investigation outcome displays that 80% of the smallholder farmers currently use mass media for agricultural purposes. The study concludes that socioeconomic factors influence the use of mass media for agricultural purposes by smallholder farmers. Therefore, the study recommends the government to train farmers on the use of mass media usage and subsidize farmers so that they can purchase these modern technology tools.
19 pages, Agricultural extension service delivery remains pivotal in disseminating contemporary and innovative agricultural information, and the training and capacity building of farmers; all of which are critical to increased farmer productivity. There are several agricultural extension methods used by extension field officers to engage their target farmers; some of the contact methods used, like the individual and group methods amongst others, necessitates close interactions between both parties. As such, physical contact between persons cannot be avoided. In the current spate of COVID-19 threats to global health, there is a possible risk of human-to-human transmission of the disease. Some temporary measures like social distancing and the ban of gatherings are currently utilised by many countries to mitigate the rapid spread of the virus. The findings of several research reports showed that these restrictions negatively impacted agricultural extension service deliveries. This paper, therefore, reviewed alternative media delivery mechanisms as a probable palliative measure in sustaining the continuous delivery of agricultural information to farmers. The paper recommends intensifying the use of the electronic extension (E-extension) system. The mobile and computer/web-based platforms should be significantly harnessed (where applicable), while concurrently promoting the intense use of print media, radio, television, agricultural documentaries and instructional videos.
15 pages, The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of extension services on capacity building of smallholder livestock farmers in Midvaal Local Municipality, Gauteng Province, South Africa. A simple random sample technique was used to select the participants, so that individual farmers in the study population could have an equal chance of being selected in the study. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 148 smallholder livestock farmers. The data gathered from participants was coded and captured in Microsoft Excel. Descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, mean, percentages, standard deviation, ranking order, and inferential statistics such as binary logistic regression were used to analyse the data. Results showed that technical farm visits (M = 3.3, SD = ±1.36) and informal training (M = 3.2, SD = ±1.31) were effective extension methods. Furthermore, they showed that extension services were less effective at enabling farmers to penetrate formal markets (M = 2,0 SD = ±1.06) and access finance (M = 1.9, SD = ±1.01). The binary logistic regression model revealed that gender and farming status were the main variables that significantly (P<0.05) influenced smallholder livestock farmers’ access to extension services. It was concluded that extension services in the study area were playing a major role in the capacity building of smallholder livestock farmers.
19 pages, Extension support is viewed as an enabler of food security. However, the literature reveals that extension within the public sector in South Africa is not yet geared to satisfy the needs of resource-poor smallholder producers to break away from poverty and food insecurity. This paper is aimed at reviewing budget allocation and public expenditure on agricultural extension support services to provide evidence-based recommendations to inform the implementation of the national policy on extension and advisory services. The study was conducted using budget allocation and expenditure data collected through a survey questionnaire directed at nine provincial departments of agriculture. The problem investigated was to establish whether the budget allocated to provincial extension services would be sufficient to implement the extension policy. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics including t-tests of differences in means. The study has delivered several findings: a). The budget execution rates were high for both the extension practitioners and the farmer programmes, with budget execution for farmer programmes being better than that for extension practitioners. b). The budget trends indicate an efficient system of budget execution for the benefit of the farmers. c). There were statistically significant differences between mean budget allocation for extension practitioners and farmer programmes. d). It was further found that the differences between the mean expenditure on extension practitioners and mean expenditure on farmer programmes were statistically significant. e). Consistent with budget allocation, mean expenditure on farmer programmes was higher than mean expenditure on extension practitioners leading to the conclusion that farmer programmes spent significantly higher than extension practitioners in the five financial years. f). On the other hand, it was found that the cost of implementing the newly developed national policy on extension and advisory services was found to be greater than the current budget allocation. The paper concluded that the budget allocation was insufficient, yet farmers received value for money.
16 pages, This study analysed the delivery of public agricultural extension services to the rural households of Idutywa, Eastern Cape. Primary data were collected from 75 participants. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. Results revealed that there is generally a lack of access to extension services by households in the study area. Above all, the findings showed that access to agricultural extension services is influenced by limited movements, cellphone data, household size, and a limited number of farmers for training. Based on the control and treated variables, the Average Treatment Effect Treated from Kernel, Nearest Neighbours, and Radius matching methods were found to be negative which means that if farmers did not receive the program during the pandemic, the performance and yields were going to be very poor and low. The study recommends that extension officers should be empowered with modern tools to deliver need-based agricultural extension services in the future.
19 pages, Extension support is viewed as an enabler of food security. However, the literature reveals that extension within the public sector in South Africa is not yet geared to satisfy the needs of resource-poor smallholder producers to break away from poverty and food insecurity. This paper is aimed at reviewing budget allocation and public expenditure on agricultural extension support services to provide evidence-based recommendations to inform the implementation of the national policy on extension and advisory services. The study was conducted using budget allocation and expenditure data collected through a survey questionnaire directed at nine provincial departments of agriculture. The problem investigated was to establish whether the budget allocated to provincial extension services would be sufficient to implement the extension policy. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics including t-tests of differences in means. The study has delivered several findings: a). The budget execution rates were high for both the extension practitioners and the farmer programmes, with budget execution for farmer programmes being better than that for extension practitioners. b). The budget trends indicate an efficient system of budget execution for the benefit of the farmers. c). There were statistically significant differences between mean budget allocation for extension practitioners and farmer programmes. d). It was further found that the differences between the mean expenditure on extension practitioners and mean expenditure on farmer programmes were statistically significant. e). Consistent with budget allocation, mean expenditure on farmer programmes was higher than mean expenditure on extension practitioners leading to the conclusion that farmer programmes spent significantly higher than extension practitioners in the five financial years. f). On the other hand, it was found that the cost of implementing the newly developed national policy on extension and advisory services was found to be greater than the current budget allocation. The paper concluded that the budget allocation was insufficient, yet farmers received value for money.
15 pages, The novel Corona virus pandemic has been extremely overwhelming at all levels causing massive economic setbacks for many countries including South Africa. The country witnessed an unprecedented scaling-down of its national economic activities, which called for an emergency response from the government. Several Covid-19 relief schemes were instituted by the government to ensure that farms of all sizes would survive. A support fund of R1.2 billion was allocated to the agriculture and food sector through the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD). The fund was primarily meant to assist financially distressed small-scale farmers to ensure continued production and food security for the country. This study collated the conditions for financial Covid-19 stimulus support required from smallholders and analysed several factors that prevented some members of this vulnerable group from benefitting from the relief funds. These factors include complexities associated with satisfactorily categorizing smallholder producers, productivity, marketing and policy challenges, glitches in formalising smallholder producer operations, the farm-business record keeping pitfall, and the exclusion of subsistent producers. The paper suggests some possible corrective measures that could allow for more inclusive support to these categories of farmers; some of which includes a simple but robust financial traceability system for the farmers, and a need to continue to push for the completion of national registration process of smallholder producers.
15 pages, 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.
14 pages, The study assessed the agricultural extension agents' climate change training needs in Abia state. Eighty-three extension agents were chosen for the study using a simple random sampling procedure. Questionnaire was used to collect data, which was then summarized using percentages, frequency counts, and the mean. The findings indicated that male agricultural extension agents comprised a majority (53%) of the state's agricultural extension agents. The average household contained between one and five members (60%). Only 10% have a master's degree, while the majority (69%) have a bachelor's degree. The average length of employment was 15 years. The study's findings indicated that there are still extension agents who are unaware of climate change (1%). Agricultural extension agents in the study area have a limited understanding of all six climate change statements. Extension agents provide significant climate change services to farmers, including technical advice on climate change ( =2.0), the establishment of Small Plot Adaptation Techniques (SPAT) to monitor the impact of climate change (=2.1), and educating farmers on appropriate agrochemicals for climate change adaptation (weed and pest control) ( =2.2). Additionally, the results indicated that understanding fundamental climate change concepts ( =3.7), utilising cultural practises to mitigate and adapt to climate impacts ( =3.4), and environmentally friendly management practises to mitigate and adapt to climate change ( =3.4) were the primary areas of need for climate change training among extension agents. Inadequate funding for training (=3.4), a lack of financial support from organizations ( =3.3), and an inability to access financial support from funders (=3.3) were the major barriers to attending climate change training for extension agents. Regular climate change seminars and training workshops for agricultural extension agents at the federal and state levels will help to improve their overall knowledge of climate change issues. The Agricultural Development Program should utilize Forth nightly training (FNT) meetings to educate extension agents about climate change issues.
21 pages, Climate change and variability have adversely affected communities’ pastoral livelihoods in Kenya. The study aimed to investigate sustaining pastoral livelihoods in a changing climate in Loima Sub-County, Turkana County, Kenya. A total of 59 pastoralists were interviewed using a questionnaire. The data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software Version 22. SPSS employed descriptive statistical techniques like frequencies, percentages, cross-tabulations and proportions, means, and standard deviation. Pie charts, graphs, figures, and tables were used to present the data analysis output. Climate has been observed to vary continuously by pastoralists. Climate hazards mostly reported were livestock diseases and the frequency of droughts. The findings also indicated that livestock keepers preferred to graze their livestock on mountains/hills. Pasture and water availability and security determine the pattern of livestock movement. Pastoralists adopted various strategies to cope with climatic changes. Some of these strategies included diverse utilisation of livestock products, controlled grazing, herd diversification, and labour distribution among household members. In conclusion, climatic change and variability effects on the livelihoods of the pastoralists are evident. However, they have diversified ways of adapting and coping with these catastrophes to sustain themselves. To avert the effects of climate change, Turkana agriculture extension officers should focus on value addition to livestock products, provision of livestock insurance schemes, veterinary services, and livestock disease surveillance. Furthermore, agriculture extension needs to develop and enforce livestock policies and develop appropriate contingency plans. Among the policies recommended are- the management of grazing areas, regulations on migratory routes, and rules governing the use of water sources.
16 pages, Food insecurity is widely recognised as a global issue that requires immediate attention using multifaceted approaches. There is a generalised consensus about the positive role of home gardens in improving household income and food security. However, there is limited empirical evidence to support the above nexus worth exploring to enhance evidence of based programming. Therefore, this study used cross-sectional survey data from Ingquza Hill local municipality in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa (n = 200) to estimate the correlation between participation in home gardening, household food security, and household income. Results revealed that income from home garden sales was the least source of income for most households in the study area, contributing an average of 10.4% to total household income. An insignificant negative correlation was confirmed between home gardens and household food insecurity access score, suggesting that home gardens fall short of addressing household food security. A positive linear significant correlation was also confirmed between home garden participation and household income. The study concludes that home gardens designed for cash crop production may have a better food security premise than those intended for home food consumption and the sale of surplus.
Bembridge, T.J. (author / Professor of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, University of Fort Hare) and Professor of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, University of Fort Hare
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1980
Published:
South Africa
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 78 Document Number: C04399
Duvel, G.H. (author / Professor of Agrarian Extension and Director of the South African Institute for Agricultural Extension, University of Pretoria) and Professor of Agrarian Extension and Director of the South African Institute for Agricultural Extension, University of Pretoria
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1989
Published:
South Africa
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 79 Document Number: C04431
Joubert, G.J. (author), Laubscher, J. (author), and Joubert: Senior Specialisvoorligter, Departement van Landbou en Watervoorsiening, Durbanville; Laubscher: Senior Lektor, Departement Landbou-ekonomie, Universiteit van Stellenbosch
Format:
Journal article
Language:
Afrikaans
Publication Date:
1989
Published:
South Africa
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 79 Document Number: C04432
Grobbelaar, M.M. (author), Koch, B.H. (author), and Grobbelaar: Assistant Director, Department of Agriculture and Water Supply, Potchefstroom; Koch: Senior Lecturer, Department of Agrarian Extension, University of Pretoria
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1989
Published:
South Africa
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 79 Document Number: C04433
Bembridge, T.J. (author / Professor and Head, Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, University of Fort Hare, Alice Ciskei) and Professor and Head, Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, University of Fort Hare, Alice Ciskei
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1989
Published:
South Africa
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 79 Document Number: C04434
Bembridge, T.J. (author), Steyn, G.L. (author), and Steyn: Head of Department, Agricultural Science, VISTA University, Pretoria, South Africa; Bembridge: Professor, Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, University of Fort Hare, South Africa
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1990
Published:
South Africa
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 83 Document Number: C05075
James F. Evans Collection, The concept of Farming systems Research and Extension is a useful means of diagnosing agricultural problems and formulating research needs. Farmers in the study had non viable farming units and derived only a small percentage of income from farming. Adoption rates of recommended farming practices and efficiency levels were low. There was a lack of suitable information flowing from extension services to farmers.
Koch, B.H. (author), Stevens, J.B. (author), and Stevens: Senior Extensionist, Transvaal Region, Department of Agricultural Development, South Africa; Koch: Senior Lecturer, Department of Agrarian Extension, University of Pretoria, South Africa
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1990
Published:
South Africa
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 83 Document Number: C05076
James F. Evans Collection, Information needs and technical knowledge levels of peach farmers, served by extensionists of the Silverton extension ward were found to be low. Respondents generally misperceived their actual and optimum production levels, resulting in low aspirations for the greater majority of respondents and irrationally high aspirations in the case of a small minority of respondents. Full- and part-time peach farmers did not differ significantly in their information needs.
Botha, C.A.J. (author), Koch, B.H. (author), and Koch: Extension Research Consultant on behalf of the South African Institute for Agricultural Extension, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Botha: Senior Lecturer, Department of Agrarian Extension, University of Pretoria, South Africa
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1990
Published:
South Africa
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 83 Document Number: C05077
James F. Evans Collection, The role of agriculture is evaluated within a developing situation. Respondents' perceptions regarding minimum subsistence earnings within a developing situation are discussed and compared with specific economic variables. Of special interest is the rapidly widening discrepancy found between actual earnings and perceptions regarding minimum subsistence earnings. It would appear that perceptions regarding minimum subsistence earnings do not change at a rate comparable to actual earnings.
Bembridge, T.J. (author), Williams, J.L.H. (author), and Williams: Lecturer in Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, University of Fort Hare, South Africa; Bembridge: Professor of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, University of Fort Hare, South Africa
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1990
Published:
South Africa
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 83 Document Number: C05078
James F. Evans Collection, An extension programme in Ciskei based on management principles of the Training and Visit (T & V) System was generally ineffective. This was due to poor selection of contact farmers and inadequate extension and institutional support. The application of sound management principles in the extension service, including training, supervision and transport was lacking. Suggestions are made for a T & V model applicable to Southern Africa.
James F. Evans Collection, Perceptions with the adoption of grazing control systems are reviewed and discussed according to the finding in a study on the angora goat industry in the Republic of South Africa
Berbridge, T.J. (author), Williams, J.L.H. (author), and Berbridge: Professor and Head, Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa; Williams: Lecturer, Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1990
Published:
South Africa
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 83 Document Number: C05080
James F. Evans Collection, An understanding of maize growing practices was the most important of the various human factors affecting adoption of practices as recommended in a diffusion study in developing areas of Southern Africa. Availability of financial and human resources as well as innovativeness in turn, affected yield per hectare. Less than half of the farmers who adopted practices were implementing them according to recommendations and many did not have a clear concept that the practices were inter-related. There is a need to upgrade extension services and offer alternative technology packages in Farmer Support Programmes, as well as to improve the integration of research, technology development, extension and farmers.
Bembridge, T.J. (author), Schimming, I.L. (author), and Bembridge: Professor and Head, Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, University of Fort Hare, Alice, Ciskei; Schimming: Lecturer, School of Agriculture, University of Boputhatswana, Mmabatho
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1991
Published:
South Africa
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 88 Document Number: C06029
Bembridge, T.J. (author), Nicholson, C.A. (author), and Nicholoson: Project Leader, Agricultural Projects, Agricultural and Rural Development Cooperation of Bophutatswana; Bembridge: Professor and Head, Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, University of Fort Hare
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1991
Published:
South Africa
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 88 Document Number: C06030
Full Title: 'N vergelyking tussen 'N boer en sy personeel se persepsies oor personeelbestuursdoeltreffendheid en -effektiwiteit in die boerderyonderneming = A comparison of the perceptions of a farmer and his personnel on personnel management efficiency and effectiveness in the farm, James F. Evans Collection; See C06029 for original
Duvel, G.H. (author), Visser, B.F.A. (author), and Visser: Department of Agricultural Development, Oudtshoorn; Duvel: Professor and Head, Department/Director S A Institute of Agricultural Extension, University of Pretoria, Pretoria
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1991
Published:
South Africa
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 88 Document Number: C06032
Botha, C.A.J. (author), Lombard, P.P. (author), and Botha: Senior Lecturer, Department of Agrarian Extension, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Lombard: Agricultural Manager, Agriwane, Nelspruit, South Africa
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1991
Published:
South Africa
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 88 Document Number: C06033
Bembridge, T.J. (author), Sokhela, M.P. (author), and Sokhela: South African Sugar Association, Durban, South Africa; Bembridge: Professor and Head, Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, University of Fort Hare
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1991
Published:
South Africa
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 88 Document Number: C06034
Botha, C.A.J. (author), Brockman, H.G. (author), Duvel, G.H. (author), and Brockman: Extension Officer, Louis Trichardt; Duvel: Professor, Department of Agrarian Extension, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Botha: Senior Lecturer, Department of Agrarian Extension, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
Format:
Journal article
Language:
Afrikaans with English abstract
Publication Date:
1991
Published:
South Africa
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 88 Document Number: C06035
Laubscher, J. (author), Troskie, D.P. (author), and Troskie: Lecturer, Kromme Rhee Agricultural College; Laubscher: Senior Lecturer, Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Stellenbosch
Format:
Journal article
Language:
Afrikaans with English abstract
Publication Date:
1991
Published:
South Africa
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 88 Document Number: C06036
James F. Evans Collection; Based on parts of an MSc (Agric) thesis by the senior author at the University of Pretoria, Farmers who are financially successful differ from their unsuccessful counterparts in management approach and decision making. Successful farmers use records for planning, they employ cash flow budgeting and analyse costs. They also avoid overtrading and are financially realistic. Unsuccessful farmers exhibit opposite traits. Successful farmers are also better decision-makers: They gather more information, use it better, re-evaluate decisions and are able to change these if necessary. Unsuccessful farmers evaluate decisions incompletely or not at all. There is not much difference in the implementation of decisions. Extensionists should concentrate in teaching farmers a frame of mind conducive to sound management (original).
James F. Evans Collection; See C06647 for original, Avocado producer households were headed by reasonably well educated males, mainly in the productive age groups, two thirds of whom were in employment, with above average rural household incomes. The adoption of critical avocado growing cultural and management practices, as well as knowledge levels of avocado growing were considerably below optimum. There was inadequate contact with research based information sources. Suggestions are made for improving the producer knowledge base by improved communication and extension strategies reinforced by other institutional support (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).
Botha, C.A.J. (author), Van der Wateren, J.J. (author), and Senior Lecturers, Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development, University of Pretoria; Senior Lecturers, Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development, University of Pretoria
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: C06650
James F. Evans Collection; See C06647 for original, This paper firstly investigates the origin, characteristics and organizational structure and the management of extension by Training and Visit (T&V) and secondly it focuses on difficulties in establishing extension by T&V. In conclusion a prognosis for T&V extension in South Africa is given (original).
Bembridge, T.J. (author), Sebotja, I. (author), and Bembridge: Professor and Head, Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, University of Fort Hare; Sebotja: District manager, AGRICOR, Bophuthatswana
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: C06651
James F. Evans Collection; See C06647 for original, A systems approach was used in comparing the three projects in terms of physical characteristics, the human potential, technology and institutional support. The importance of farmer development, participation, and motivation for sustained development is highlighted and suggestions are made for further investment in human capital (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).
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).
James F. Evans Collection, The current wind of change sweeping across in South Africa provides a unique opportunity for the new unified agricultural extension system in the country to be set up to address the needs of not only large (i.e., commercialized) farmers but also those of the numerous small (i.e., usually less commercialized) farmers, in a way that is effective, equitable and efficient. This article reviews experiences with agricultural extension during the last few decades both inside and outside Africa. Based on this review lessons are extracted that will be important to take into account in designing the appropriate agricultural extension system for South Africa. It is important for an effective agricultural extension service to have effective, interactive linkages with the other "actors" in the agricultural development process (i.e., not only farmers, but also researchers and planners). Some specific suggestions are given on how the unified agricultural extension system might be organized and implemented in the South African situation. While recognized that it is not necessarily the ideal solution, it is proposed that public agricultural extension funds should be primarily concentrated on the smaller less commercialized farmers, while the larger farmers should be primarily catered for by the private sector. (original)
Botha, C.A.J. (author / Faculty of Biological and Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agricultural Economics Extension and Rural Development, University of Pretoria)
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1994
Published:
South Africa
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 100 Document Number: C08425
James F. Evans Collection, Institutional restructuring of agricultural services in South Africa has become essential because of (1) significant political changes (2)the unacceptable dualistic nature of extension servicing (3) changed views on development and extension. There are several ways to describe the practice of agricultural extension. In this article the view of Axinn (1988) on the alternative approaches to extension is used to show the applicability of each approach for different extension institutions, the probability of each approach being adopted by the institutions as well as the type of farmer that each institution is likely to service. (original)
Bembridge, T.J. (author / Provincial Conservation and Extension Officer, Department of Conservation and Extension, Bulawayo, Rhodesia) and Provincial Conservation and Extension Officer, Department of Conservation and Extension, Bulawayo, Rhodesia
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1977
Published:
South Africa
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 39 Document Number: B04389
Bembridge, T.J. (author / Professor of Agricultural Extension, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa) and Professor of Agricultural Extension, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1977
Published:
South Africa
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 39 Document Number: B04390
Koch, B.H. (author / Department of Agrarian Extension, University of Pretoria, South Africa) and Department of Agrarian Extension, University of Pretoria, South Africa
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1986
Published:
South Africa
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 64 Document Number: C02337
Duvel, G.H. (author / South African Institute of Agricultural Extension, University of Pretoria, South Africa) and South African Institute of Agricultural Extension, University of Pretoria, South Africa
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1986
Published:
South Africa
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 64 Document Number: C02339
Venter, A.D. (author / Department of Agriculture and Water Supply, Eastern Cape Region, Stutterheim, South Africa) and Department of Agriculture and Water Supply, Eastern Cape Region, Stutterheim, South Africa
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1986
Published:
South Africa
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 64 Document Number: C02340
Bembridge, T.J. (author / Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa) and Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1986
Published:
South Africa
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 64 Document Number: C02341
Duvel, G.H. (author), Marincowitz, G.J.O. (author), and Marincowitz: Department of Agriculture and Water Supply, Barkly West, South Africa; Duvel: South African Institute for Agricultural Extension, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1987
Published:
South Africa
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 66 Document Number: C02626
Duvel, G.H. (author), van Wyk, G.P. (author), and van Wyk: Department of Agriculture, Highveld Region, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Duvel: Department of Agrarian Extension, University of Pretoria, South Africa
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1987
Published:
South Africa
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 66 Document Number: C02627
Bembridge, T.J. (author), King, P.G. (author), and King: Agricultural Advisor, Division of Sentrachem, Grahamstown, South Africa; Bembridge: Professor, Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1988
Published:
South Africa
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 72 Document Number: C03263
Duvel, G.H. (author), Terblanche, S.E. (author), and Terblanche: Assistant Director (Extension), Department of Agriculture and Water Supply, Ermelo, South Africa; Duvel: Professor and Head, Department of Agrarian Extension, University of Pretoria, South Africa
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1988
Published:
South Africa
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 72 Document Number: C03264
Kashem, M.A. (author / Associate Professor, Department of Agricultural Extension and Teachers' Training, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh) and Associate Professor, Department of Agricultural Extension and Teachers' Training, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1988
Published:
South Africa
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 72 Document Number: C03265
Koch, B.H. (author / Senior Lecturer, Department of Agrarian Extension, University of Pretoria, South Africa) and Senior Lecturer, Department of Agrarian Extension, University of Pretoria, South Africa
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1988
Published:
South Africa
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 72 Document Number: C03266
Bembridge, T.J. (author / Dean, Faculty of Agriculture and Head of the Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa) and Dean, Faculty of Agriculture and Head of the Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1988
Published:
South Africa
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 72 Document Number: C03267
Grobbelaar, M.M. (author), Koch, B.H. (author), and Grobbelaar: Senior Agricultural Extensionist, Department of Agriculture and Water Supply, Lichtenberg, South Africa; Koch: Senior Lecturer, Department of Agrarian Extension, University of Pretoria, South Agrica
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1988
Published:
South Africa
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 72 Document Number: C03268
