For several decades, various sub-Saharan Africa governments have been proactive in revamping their agricultural extension service delivery systems through establishment and revisions of their agricultural extension policies. Despite the existence and implementation of these policies, productivity in small holder farms in these countries is still low several years later. The need to enhance agricultural production is still cited as a challenge, with low adoption of improved technologies being found as the major contributing factor. This study used a qualitative approach to examine farmers’ perceptions regarding the role of extension agents in the diffusion of innovations and its implications on sustainable agricultural development in Malawi and Kenya. Increased focus on using agricultural extension as an improved technology dissemination tool was found to be one of the factors contributing to low agricultural productivity. This among others was as result of failure by extension to tap valuable information, useful knowledge, skills and resources which was found to be available among farmers in both countries. The findings imply farmers no longer value their local knowledge and are uncomfortable sharing it amongst themselves. However, addressing the challenge of low agricultural productivity (heavily impacted by climate change) in these countries requires a shift in approach when delivering agricultural extension services. These changes include the use of interactive Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to solicit feedback and input from farmers and to enhance the two-way communication process. Keywords: diffusion of innovations; extension education; improved technologies; policy
Agricultural communication (AGCOM) has been known to aid in disseminating research-based agricultural information among Malawian farmers. In 1958 the Malawi Government, via the Ministry of Agriculture, established the Agricultural Communications Branch (ACB) in an attempt to increase access to and adoption of scientifically-proven technologies among farmers. Moreover, in 2000 the Malawi Government started implementing an agricultural extension policy that promoted pluralistic demand-driven extension, which led to the increased availability of non-governmental organizations providing AGCOM services to farmers. However, after several decades of using different communication tools to promote new technologies, low productivity in most small holder farms remains a challenge, with limited adoption of improved technology as one of the contributing factors. In this exploratory, convergent, mixed methods study, 30 Malawian farmers and six AGCOM officers who were selected using convenient and snow ball sampling respectively participated in key informant interviews. In addition, 64 AGCOM officers who were selected using simple random sampling were involved in a survey. The findings of the study revealed that information delivered to farmers does not address farmer needs in most cases. Specifically, existing policies, source and availability of funding, and the agricultural calendar influenced choice of information that was disseminated. For example, the existing policy does not allow AGCOM officers to disseminate local and innovative farmer practices unless they are tested and approved by scientists. Such policies, perpetuates a mindset among farmers that innovations originate from outside their communities, thereby making it hard for them to share their local, indigenous ideas with their colleagues. Moreover, it has contributed to the inability of AGCOM to be used as an innovation creation tool, hence AGCOMs’ limited impact. Keywords: adoption, improved technologies, agricultural communication, increased productivity, information dissemination
As the world continues to experience a population boom amidst growing food insecurity concerns, the need for well-trained and competent youth in agriculture-related industries is on the rise in Sub-Saharan African countries, specifically Uganda. With 78 percent of Uganda’s population below the age of thirty, the number of unemployed and unskilled workers presents a challenge to a country that relies heavily on jobs within the agricultural sector to thrive. Due to the increased number of unskilled youths, extension-based services such as the National Agriculture Advisory Services (NAADS) and the Uganda Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (UFAAS) are needed to connect with youth organizations to provide training and direction for those seeking careers in agriculture. This study sought to better understand the phenomena of competency development through various communication channels used to facilitate leadership development and agricultural literacy within a youth organization known as Nokia Farming Agricultural Innovation Platform (NOFAIP). A single instrumental case study was conducted to assess the career preparedness of youth within the NOFAIP group and opportunities that exist for employment within agriculture-related industries. Results found that upon receiving training from UFAAS, the NOFAIP group had increased their credibility amongst Ugandan farming communities and supported the growth of agricultural competencies, such as soil testing, using backpack sprayers to spread fertilizers, and managing citrus groves. Through hands-on experiences and engagement with appropriate training, the NOFAIP group established communication channels that were critical to experience personal growth and the invigoration of an entrepreneurial spirit within agriculture.
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