Agriflection: A Learning Model for Agricultural Extension in South Africa

Evaluation of South Africa's public agricultural extension in the context of sustainable agriculture

“…While extension should help teach new farming practices and assist rural people to build leadership and organisational skills (Van der Ban & Hawkins, 1996), more recently, extension has experienced a major shift towards participatory models (Düvel, 2005) in which stakeholders take a more active role in agricultural extension processes and decision-making. Most recently, there has been an introduction of a learning-based model that emphasises the need to build capacity for learning throughout the extension system, but especially among the farmers for which learning is described as the capacity to engage with scientific enquiry (Worth, 2006). Table 1 summarises some common agricultural extension models that are used in South Africa.…”

“…This knowledge is best understood as local memory (the collection of practices handed down from past generations, but which is no longer used), local practice (knowledge compiled from various second-hand sources or unstructured trial and error), and/or local science (knowledge and practices currently in use or not a result of deliberate and conscious innovation and experimentation conducted by the farmer) (Masere & Worth, 2016). Local science would result from an extension engagement that employs a learning posture with the primary aim of building capacity of farmers to learn, innovate and experiment systematically, methodically and deliberately (Worth, 2006). Thus, extension should recognise farmers' knowledge and should incorporate it in their work (Agrawal, 1995;Hart, 2003;Swanson, 2006).…”

“…The fourth model is a learning-centred model which focuses on learning amongst agricultural extension workers, researchers, farmers and other stakeholders. The model is based on continuous reflection amongst all stakeholders within the learning process (Worth, 2006). This model was evolved from the facilitation model and Chambers' (1997) participatory rural appraisal (PRA).…”

“…These shifts in approach and process suggest that extension services respond well to working within the bounds of theoretical frameworks, including those guiding sustainable agricultural practices (Rivera, 2006). Existing frameworks could be adopted, adjusted or developed and adapted to extension's multiple roles ranging from advisory, technician, educator, middleman, facilitator, analyst, researcher and learning partner (Bembridge, 1991;DOA, 2005, Düvel, 2005Van den Ban & Hawkins, 1996;Worth 2006). Globally, public agricultural extension is faced with a large challenge of being relevant and effective.…”

Positions and Roles of Agricultural Extension Workers in Poultry Egg Marketing in Delta State, Nigeria

“…Agricultural extension services such as agricultural marketing and market information, credit mobilisation, home making, rural hygiene and sanitation practices could improve the fortune of the farmer. Karbasioun, (2007) and Worth (2006) observed that the role of agricultural extension agents was gradually changing from transferring knowledge and technology to that of consultants, advisors and facilitators of the farmer learning process. Ozowa (1997) reported that in Nigeria, agricultural market information to small scale farmers was provided by the Ministry of Agriculture through the field level extension workers and by the broadcasting media.…”