An overview of extension use in irrigated agriculture and case studies in south-eastern Africa

Abstract

This study provides an overview of extension influence on the adoption of irrigation innovations in developed and developing countries, and finds that extension plays a more significant positive role in influencing soft technology adoption in developing countries. Case studies on the nature, use and availability of extension advice in six irrigation schemes in Tanzania, Mozambique and Zimbabwe are presented. The use of government extension officers varied significantly, with extension use not linked to farm outcomes. The results suggest the need to support more diverse sources of advice and to promote institutional reform in southeastern Africa.

Barriers to and opportunities for improving productivity and profitability of the Kiwere and Magozi irrigation schemes in Tanzania

“…During the focus groups, the following factors were reported as preventing farmers from accessing extension officers and the information they hold: (1) there is only one officer per scheme, whereas government standards require one per village; (2) the poor working environment of officers, which includes performing other duties; (3) visits are not routinefarmers have to call first and pay transport costs; and (4) lack of research to provide officers with adequate and current skills. These factors reflect the findings of Wheeler et al (2017).…”

Profitability and productivity barriers and opportunities in small-scale irrigation schemes

“…In Zimbabwe, the adoption of new practices has been limited by a range of social and economic issues, especially in labour-deficient households such as those affected by AIDS (Twomlow et al, 2008). The issue of extension services is covered in more detail by Wheeler, Zuo, Bjornlund, Mdemu, and van Rooyen (2017).…”

Exploring the productivity and profitability of small-scale communal irrigation systems in Sub-Saharan Africa

“…As a consequence, problems in the schemes include stray cattle damaging canals and crops, rampant water theft from the main canal, and low willingness to pay for water or participate in infrastructure maintenance. Wheeler et al (2017) explore the issue of extension services as a critical component of transferring the necessary skills and knowledge for improving productivity and profitability. While this article finds that government extension services are the main source of information for farmers, their availability differs significantly across schemes.…”