Extension systems in Southern African countries: A review

Oladele, O. I.; Adesope, OM

doi:10.4314/gaep.v6i1.64023

Cited by 5 publications

(11 citation statements)

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“…Most benefits of ISFM technologies are accrued in long term hence requiring a visionary perspective. The extension promotional messages are simplified for farmers with ability to read and write to be able to capture technical information (Oladele et al 2009). This is based on the premise that technology adoption does not only depend on formal education attained by household members, while for the generally illiterate agrarian community literacy levels in terms of one's ability to read and write is also important (Hojo 2004).…”

Section: Determinants Of Isfm Adoptionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Determinants of integrated soil fertility management technologies adoption by smallholder farmers in the Chinyanja Triangle of Southern Africa

Mponela¹,

Tamene²,

Ndengu³

et al. 2016

Land Use Policy

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Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) technologies have proven to be viable options for improving land productivity and increasing yield. However, adoption of the set of complementary technologies that are required in ISFM is quite variable and studies of adoption focus on single technologies. This study of 10 technologies shows that farmers in Chinyanja Triangle use up to eight and cluster analysis revealed 3 groups. The clustering of nutrient dense technologies of inorganic fertiliser, compost and animal manure indicates that they are used by farmers facing similar constraints. Analysis of the determinants of adopting more than one ISFM technology using a pooled and random effects ordered probit model shows that farmers' adopting a set of technologies have fragmented pieces of land, more literate household members, more farming experience, headed by males. Non-adoption has been associated with ownership of large parcels of land and large family sizes. These results are instrumental in identifying factors that influence adoption of a set of ISFM technologies in the Chinyanja triangle and could be of use in research and development initiatives.

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Section: Determinants Of Isfm Adoptionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Determinants of integrated soil fertility management technologies adoption by smallholder farmers in the Chinyanja Triangle of Southern Africa

Mponela¹,

Tamene²,

Ndengu³

et al. 2016

Land Use Policy

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“…These limitations encompass subjectivity, the absence of quantifiable metrics hindering precise numerical assessments and comparisons, the dynamic nature of factors necessitating ongoing updates, and the limited focus on interactions, which may not fully consider how different factors in agroecosystems interact and influence each other. This can overlook important connections and complexities within agricultural systems, which are crucial for sustainability and resilience ( 30 , 31 ). It is crucial to consider these limitations to ensure a comprehensive and balanced evaluation of agroecosystems.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Linking farmers’ perceptions and management decision toward sustainable agroecological transition: evidence from rural Tunisia

Souissi,

Dhehibi,

Oumer

et al. 2024

Front. Nutr.

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Global food systems face sustainability challenges like undernourishment, inequity, resource degradation, and pollution. Food production and consumption drive environmental change with greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss, and land-system shifts. The climate change crisis has intensified concerns about the ecological impact of these systems. Sustainable food networks, such as community-supported agriculture, are promoting sustainable production and consumption through short supply chains. International bodies like the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) are also spearheading initiatives for more equitable and sustainable food systems. In Tunisia, where dryland areas predominate, the ongoing implementation of the Agroecology Initiative provides the context for this study, which explores the drivers and barriers of agroecological transformation in this challenging environment. The research focuses on stakeholder engagement, with a gender perspective to explore farmer perceptions. The study, conducted in the northwest of Tunisia in 2022–2023, involved focus groups, workshops, surveys, and questionnaires with various stakeholders. Findings highlight farmer organizations’ potential in promoting sustainable farming, with clear goals, diversified systems, and collaborations. However, challenges such as input scarcity, water shortage, low income, and marketing must be addressed. Results also indicate that over 90% of farmers who received assistance with agroecological practices reported a change in their ideas and practices. Fifty seven percent of the workshops participants identified the olive oil value chain as having the greatest potential for agroecological transformation, but it faces constraints such as climate, lack of policy incentives, training, funding, and difficulty in adopting technical innovations. Women’s inclusion in agriculture, environmental, social, and economic challenges were also highlighted. Despite these obstacles, key drivers for agroecological transition were identified. These include the compatibility of many agroecological practices with existing farmer capabilities, their cultural and economic benefits, and the positive outcomes for environmental sustainability and health. The study advocates for a socio-technical systems analysis to address the root causes hindering Tunisia’s agroecological transformation. A participatory approach is crucial to understanding priorities and developing a sustainable and resilient food system. Furthermore, the research underscores the importance of considering diverse farmer perspectives and tailoring strategies to support this critical transition effectively.

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“…African countries rely heavily on extension services to disseminate innovations from scientists to farmers [9] . While the public extension system remains the most extensive source of information for smallholders in developing countries [10] , its effectiveness is often compromised by the scarcity of extension workers.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…One popular approach to addressing these challenges in African contexts is the development of Farmer Field Schools (FFSs) [9] . FFSs represent a participatory learning opportunity that empowers farmers to experiment with new technologies and practices on their own farms, increasing their likelihood of adopting these technologies [25] .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Revitalizing Smallholder Farming in Africa: Insights from China's Science and Technology Backyard Model

Phiri,

Zhao,

Chen

2024

Res. World Agric. Econ.

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Smallholder farmers are crucial to African agriculture, yet low productivity hampers their ability to meet rising food demands from a growing population. Despite numerous support programs, traditional extension approaches and limited access to technology hinder success. The main objective of this article is to discuss how China's Science and Technology Backyard (STB) model can be adopted in African contexts as a viable solution. The STB model, proven successful in China, directly addresses the disconnection between scientists and farmers through direct collaboration in crop fields. The authors first summarize insights from the implementation of the STB model in China and then propose strategies for its adoption in Africa. The subsequent comparative analysis, combined with three case studies, shows that the STB model, which emphasizes farmer-centered innovations, has the potential to bridge knowledge gaps, enhance productivity, and stimulate rural development in Africa despite resource constraints. Finally, the authors note that strategic investments in infrastructure, coordination among stakeholders, and acknowledging associated costs are critical for the successful implementation of the STB model. Simply put, the authors believe the STB model can greatly enhance African smallholders' farming productivity, but before the model can successfully serve its functions, involved stakeholders should ensure all supporting conditions are provided.

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Extension systems in Southern African countries: A review

Cited by 5 publications

References 0 publications

Determinants of integrated soil fertility management technologies adoption by smallholder farmers in the Chinyanja Triangle of Southern Africa

Determinants of integrated soil fertility management technologies adoption by smallholder farmers in the Chinyanja Triangle of Southern Africa

Linking farmers’ perceptions and management decision toward sustainable agroecological transition: evidence from rural Tunisia

Revitalizing Smallholder Farming in Africa: Insights from China's Science and Technology Backyard Model

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