Abbott, Eric A. (author) and Gregg, Jennifer L. (author)
Format:
Book chapter
Publication Date:
2000
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Document Number: C29077
Notes:
Pages 229-256 in Peter F. Korsching, Patricia C. Hipple and Eric A. Abbott (eds.), Having all the right connections: telecommunications and rural viability. Praeger, Westport, Connecticut. 348 pages.
Adhikarya, Ronny (author), Maalouf, Wajih D. (author), and Contado, Tito E. (author)
Format:
Book chapter
Publication Date:
1991
Published:
International
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 116 Document Number: C12672
Notes:
Pages 59-70 in William M. Rivera and Daniel J. Gustafson (eds.), Agricultural Extension: worldwide institutional evolution and forces for change. Elsevier Science Publishers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. 312 p.
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.
