open access, "This study examined the adoption of regenerative agricultural practices (RAPs) among maize based farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria... The study [concluded] that farmers moderately adopt RAPs but insufficient enabling conditions, such as insecurity and limited extension services hindered the uptake in Kwara State. Strengthening credit access, improving extension delivery, and security barriers are essential to accelerate widespread adoption of regenerative practices and enhance sustainable maize production in Kwara State."
Accessible via University of Illinois Library System, In 2000, the Malawi Government introduced a new agricultural extension policy to improve farmers' productivity in the country. This paper explores the experiences the country has had with the implementation of the new extension delivery service policy from 2000 to 2020. Data were qualitatively collected and analysed using a thematic approach. Drawing on evidence from Zomba, Machinga and Mzimba districts, the paper argues that, despite the merits and opportunities the new policy presented to transform the lives of rural farmers in Malawi, its success on the ground was hampered by old, enduring ideologies which remained dominant in extension delivery. While the policy championed pluralism, demand-driven principles, and community participation, in practice, the government remained the main service provider, and supply approaches continued to guide the service delivery. This underscores the significance of context and local history for policy implementation to realise best results on the ground.
3 pages, This study examines constraints faced by farmers in adopting recommended millet cultivation practices in the Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh, India. Data were collected from 240 millet farmers across 12 villages in Banda and Chitrakoot districts using a structured interview schedule and simple random sampling. Constraints were assessed on a three-point continuum (strongly agree, agree, disagree) and ranked using Garrett’s mean score. Major constraints include the unavailability of healthy, disease-free seeds (GMS = 68.97), limited knowledge of insect and disease control measures (GMS = 58.97), unreliable electricity and labor availability (GMS = 59.39), low millet prices compared to rice and wheat (GMS = 59.68), and inadequate local marketing facilities (GMS = 59.80). These findings highlight the need for improved seed supply systems, enhanced extension services, and better market infrastructure to promote millet cultivation in the region.
6 pages, Aims: Extension and advisory services are crucial for farmers to increase their output and income, but farmers with disabilities (FwDs) face numerous challenges in receiving these services. Consequently, this study investigates the factors influencing farmers with disabilities' access to agricultural extension services in Ghana.
Study Design: A quantitative approach was employed using the Fractional Outcome Regression Model to analyze the data.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the 16 regions of Ghana, West Africa, from June to August 2023.
Methodology: The study sampled 386 FwDs and 60 agricultural extension agents from all sixteen regions of Ghana. A survey as an instrument/method was used for data collection, and two semi-structured questionnaires were developed and distributed to agricultural extension officers and FwDs in farming communities across the country to gather primary data.
Results: The findings of the study indicate that three variables were found to be statistically significant in determining FwDs' access to agricultural extension and advisory services per year. These include the age of the farmer, access to farmer-based organizations, and years of farming experience. All these variables were found to have a significant impact on FwDs' access to extension services. The study highlights the importance of FBOs and farming experience in increasing access to extension services for FwDs.
Conclusion: These findings can inform policy and program development to improve the well-being of FwDs through greater access to extension services.
open access, The integration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in agricultural extension services is transforming knowledge dissemination, addressing challenges of accessibility, efficiency, and inclusiveness. Traditional extension systems, constrained by resource limitations and outdated methods, struggle to meet modern agricultural demands. ICT tools such as mobile phones, internet-based platforms, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), drones, Artificial Intelligence(AI), and blockchain provide real-time, localised, and cost-effective solutions. Public private partnerships, ICT funding, and participatory, farmer-centred approaches are crucial for long-term success. Future prospects include AI-driven predictive analytics, blockchain for transparent supply chains, and augmented/virtual reality for training.
open access, The present study examined the significant bottlenecks of extension service and determinants
of service delivery in North Western Ethiopia. A total of 120 sample households were randomly
selected using a multistage sampling technique to represent the highland, lowland, and
midland districts in the former North Gondar zone. Both qualitative and quantitative data were
collected. Based on the results, it was concluded that the existing
extension service delivery practices were very low due to multiple and interlocking challenges
that demand concerted efforts at different levels. Therefore, extension services should be
designed based on local problems and challenges, with intimate interaction with farmers and
stakeholders and move away from a one-size-fits-all approach.
open access, The development of smallholder agriculture in Africa faces numerous challenges. While digitalization is seen as a transformative opportunity for the continent's agricultural sector, there is limited empirical evidence on the effectiveness and impact of digital tools for smallholder farmers. This review highlights the crucial role of digital tools in overcoming agricultural challenges in Africa. By assessing these tools' capabilities, the study identifies significant advancements in sensor technologies and data analytics for smallholder farming. The findings underscore areas of high impact and untapped potential, calling for further research on their long-term effects on agricultural outcomes.
8 pages, The study examined the impact of climate change and extension service on rice farmers' yield in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. A total of 402 rice farmers were sampled through multi-stage sampling for questionnaire administration. Primary data collected were analyzed using mean, frequency, percentage, ordinary least square multiple regression techniques, the Local Average Treatment Effect (LATE) model, and the probit model. Socio-economic characteristics show that a greater proportion of the farmers were male (51.7%), married (84.1%), and attended secondary education (47.8%). Sources of climate change information were farmer-to-farmer (100%), telephone/mobile phone (98.5%), radio (92.5%), workshop/seminars (73.4%), and television (46.8%). Temperature (P<-0.01), rainfall (P<-0.01), evaporation rate (P<-0.01), and severe windstorm (P<-0.01) influenced rice yield negatively, while relative humidity (P<0.05) and atmospheric pressure (P<0.01) had a positive influence on rice yield. The results from the LATE model, which measures the average effect of a treatment on the treated, show a decrease in rice yields of 84.1% and 96.5%. Production constraints felt by rice farmers include high cost of input materials (100%), inadequate capital (100%), high cost of labor (99.8%), poor extension access and service (99.5%), and Fulani-herdsmen conflict (76.9%). The study recommends rice farmers implement climate-smart agriculture to mitigate climate change and access farm information and/or services from experienced farmers.
11 pages, Extension is well-positioned to facilitate communication strategies that foster community resilience and disaster recovery, particularly for rural residents. This paper proposes a new approach to post-disaster communication that strengthens rural community capacities in locally and culturally relevant ways. The findings revealed specific post-disaster information needs, preferences for local resources, and communication that encourages resilience through a document analysis and interviews with informants recovering from the 2020 Colorado wildfires. The practical recommendations discussed serve as a starting point for Extension professionals in other areas to consider ways to engage with their communities before, during, and after a disaster.
