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This review aims to explore factors that enhance the sustainability of agricultural extension systems in the traditional institution bioecosystem to deliver educational information. The study was based on a purposive sampling criterion for research articles from journal websites. One hundred and eighty-seven articles from 2015 to 2023 were reviewed. One hundred and fifty-three were double-reviewed articles from journals, twenty reports from trusted government and private websites, and fourteen web-based articles were synthesized according to the listed keywords and the overall objective. From the analysis, this study demonstrates that the literature attested to the interconnected relationship between traditional institutions and other market players, although inevitable negative consequences do occur. The findings also show that sustainability, value addition, innovation, collaboration, cooperation, and partnerships are critical factors in the extension bioecosystems in traditional institutions. This review study concludes that traditional institutions can enhance agricultural extension to provide sustainable rural development as long as the service providers harmonize the relationship with the local community to increase buy-in. Win–win commercial relations trigger value addition, innovations, collaborations, and sustainability for policy markets, politicians, researchers, and farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global pursuit of sustainable development has highlighted the Circular Bioeconomy (CBE) as a key framework for resilience and sustainability. CBE, which focuses on regenerating natural resources and minimizing waste, encompasses sectors like agriculture, waste management, and renewable energy. Agricultural Extension Services (AES) play a pivotal role within this paradigm, serving as conduits for disseminating knowledge, providing training, and fostering innovation in the agricultural sector. Indonesia, with its rich agricultural heritage and diverse natural resources, stands as a key player in the global agricultural landscape. However, the country faces challenges such as land degradation, deforestation, and climate change impacts, necessitating a shift toward sustainable agricultural practices. This article examines the potential of CBE in Indonesia, particularly the role of AES in its adoption. AES bridge the gap between research, policy, and implementation, equipping farmers with the necessary tools and information for transitioning to CBE models. Despite challenges such as limited awareness, technological barriers, and policy constraints, strategic interventions and collaborative efforts can pave the way for effective CBE implementation in Indonesia. Strengthening collaboration, enhancing capacity-building efforts, advocating for supportive policies, mobilizing financial resources, and fostering public awareness are key strategies in this endeavor. In conclusion, successful CBE adoption in Indonesia depends on the active involvement of AES. Through embracing CBE principles and leveraging AES capabilities, Indonesia can achieve a sustainable and prosperous future, fostering resilience, economic growth, and environmental integrity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the potential of a paper diary for strengthening accountability in public agricultural extension services. Therefore a paper diary called 'Diary for Agricultural Extension Officers' was developed and tested in Uganda. A qualitative case study research approach was applied for the development and assessment of the diary. Data were collected using focus group discussions and individual face-to-face interviews. Data analysis was conducted using the content analysis method. Paper diaries can strengthen accountability in public agricultural extension services by enabling alignment of the extension activities of the field agents to the goals of the extension service and to the needs of the beneficiaries, in addition to mitigating information asymmetry about the extension activities. However, the implementation of paper diaries requires sensitization of the beneficiaries on the need for verification and feedback. This study is centred around addressing a practical problem of field agents' accountability and results have the potential to improve management of public services such as agricultural extension. Moreover, the findings could also be relevant for all types of organizations and service delivery methods. This study expanded the boundaries of the principal-agent theory by applying it to the accountability of agricultural extension services using paper diaries, which have hitherto not been widely applied. This study advances the debates of accountability and coordination of agricultural extension services by assessing the potential of a paper diary as the literature has to date assessed the potential of electronic diaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was undertaken to analyse farmers' access to various agricultural extension service sources, their preferences and to delineate underlying determinants for their access. The study used NSSO 77th survey dataset of 14,782 households of IGP states (Bihar, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal). Farmers' preferences varied, with private agencies--particularly input dealers-- emerging as the top choice, followed by traditional mass media channels and the public extension system. Utility of Cooperative model, and farmer-based organizations have not yet been fully explored for information needs. The inputs (seeds, fertilizers, plant protection) were the most sought-after information. However, in an era of changing needs, farmers should strive to acquire additional information on aspects such as marketing, climate change, and post-harvest functions. The type of information sought by the farmers, influences their preferred sources of extension services. Irrespective of the source, the degree of access diminishes with the decreasing landholding. Among the five IGP states, Haryana emerged as the champion of information access for farmers, while Bihar lagged. Multivariate probit analysis reported that the likelihood of access to agricultural information sources was positively influenced by age, gender, education, size of operational landholding, irrigated area, and sale of produce at MSP. The study suggests making the extension services for small and socio-economically marginalized farmers more inclusive. Inclusiveness of extension services is essential for sustainability because it ensures that all farmers, regardless of their landholding, gender, age, caste, etc., have access to knowledge and resources they need to adopt improved agricultural practices and thus, secure prosperous livelihoods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global pursuit of sustainable development has highlighted the Circular Bioeconomy (CBE) as a key framework for resilience and sustainability. CBE, which focuses on regenerating natural resources and minimizing waste, encompasses sectors like agriculture, waste management, and renewable energy. Agricultural Extension Services (AES) play a pivotal role within this paradigm, serving as conduits for disseminating knowledge, providing training, and fostering innovation in the agricultural sector. Indonesia, with its rich agricultural heritage and diverse natural resources, stands as a key player in the global agricultural landscape. However, the country faces challenges such as land degradation, deforestation, and climate change impacts, necessitating a shift toward sustainable agricultural practices. This article examines the potential of CBE in Indonesia, particularly the role of AES in its adoption. AES bridge the gap between research, policy, and implementation, equipping farmers with the necessary tools and information for transitioning to CBE models. Despite challenges such as limited awareness, technological barriers, and policy constraints, strategic interventions and collaborative efforts can pave the way for effective CBE implementation in Indonesia. Strengthening collaboration, enhancing capacity-building efforts, advocating for supportive policies, mobilizing financial resources, and fostering public awareness are key strategies in this endeavor. In conclusion, successful CBE adoption in Indonesia depends on the active involvement of AES. Through embracing CBE principles and leveraging AES capabilities, Indonesia can achieve a sustainable and prosperous future, fostering resilience, economic growth, and environmental integrity.

A study was undertaken to analyse farmers’ access to various agricultural extension service sources, their preferences and to delineate underlying determinants for their access. The study used NSSO 77th survey dataset of 14,782 households of IGP states (Bihar, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal). Farmers’ preferences varied, with private agencies—particularly input dealers—emerging as the top choice, followed by traditional mass media channels and the public extension system. Utility of Cooperative model, and farmer-based organizations have not yet been fully explored for information needs. The inputs (seeds, fertilizers, plant protection) were the most sought-after information. However, in an era of changing needs, farmers should strive to acquire additional information on aspects such as marketing, climate change, and post-harvest functions. The type of information sought by the farmers, influences their preferred sources of extension services. Irrespective of the source, the degree of access diminishes with the decreasing landholding. Among the five IGP states, Haryana emerged as the champion of information access for farmers, while Bihar lagged. Multivariate probit analysis reported that the likelihood of access to agricultural information sources was positively influenced by age, gender, education, size of operational landholding, irrigated area, and sale of produce at MSP. The study suggests making the extension services for small and socio-economically marginalized farmers more inclusive. Inclusiveness of extension services is essential for sustainability because it ensures that all farmers, regardless of their landholding, gender, age, caste, etc., have access to knowledge and resources they need to adopt improved agricultural practices and thus, secure prosperous livelihoods.

This paper examines the effect of agricultural input subsidies (AIS) and agricultural extension services (AES) on farm labour productivity in plots planted with maize in Tanzania, using panel data from the National Panel Survey in Tanzania. To control for the endogeneity of the two programmes, a control function and instrumental variable approach is used to estimate the effects of AIS and AES on farm labour productivity. The results show that AIS and AES are significant in raising labour productivity in maize‐planted plots. Similarly, AIS and AES are also effective in increasing land productivity in these plots. Moreover, each programme has comparable effects on land productivity and farm labour productivity. These findings imply that public investments in AIS and AES are effective in raising farm productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many growers rely on good agricultural extension services to successfully grow their crops. Correct field diagnoses of plant health problems are an essential starting point. However, some agricultural extension workers may have had limited capacity building in field diagnosis during their agricultural education, and many may have had limited or no continuing education possibilities during their advisory work life. As a result, errors may occur in the course of diagnosis of plant health problems with devastating consequences. The objective of this study, therefore, was to assess the value of short and inexpensive in-service training that is intended to improve the quality of field diagnosis of plant health problems. Eight groups of agricultural extension workers totaling 165 participants were trained during a 3-day-long intensive course in the diagnosis of plant health problems as part of the plant doctor training in the Plantwise program in Burundi (44 ± 9 years of age, 14 ± 10 years of experience in agriculture and 8 ± 7 years in extension; 10% females). Empirical data from before-versus-end and after-course analyses revealed that such courses can indeed increase knowledge and skills in field diagnosis by 20 ± 8% points during the training and by 9 ± 4% points when having worked for 8 to 19 months after training. The level of variability among extension workers was also reduced by 0.8 ± 1% points pre-course versus end-course, and by 1.1 ± 0.3% points from pre- versus post-course. Interestingly, there seemed little to no influence of work experience in agricultural extension on the quality of field diagnosis of plant health problems. More advanced educational levels only slightly improved the diagnosis quality of extension workers; gender played no role; younger workers performed slightly better than older ones. This may indicate a lack of opportunities for further training as part of continuing adult education. Our results suggest regularly repeated in-service training for agricultural practitioners may be beneficial. Investments in such training seem worthwhile since better diagnoses can lead to more appropriate pest management advice and judicious use of pesticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Albeit its critical role in the development of the agriculture sector, the delivery of Extension and Advisory Services (EASs) in Tanzania has remained unsatisfactory and has had a limited impact on the sector. Among others, conventional approaches used in providing EASs have been found inadequate in meeting the priority needs of their clientele. Besides, they tend to demand many frontline extension agents who are few and are unable to serve farmers effectively. Thus, most recently, Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) have the potential to overcome many of the challenges associated with the conventional provision of EASs. As a result, various innovative ICT-based approaches have been blended with conventional EASs to improve the service to clients. These include the use of community radio stations, TV programs, telecentres, Mobile Phones (SMS), and web-based and mobile-based farmers' advisory information systems. This study draws on the work of the ICT-based Village Knowledge Centre (VKC) established in the Rungwe District in Mbeya Region. We explore the experiences of various stakeholders in using the VKC in the delivery of extension services. Challenges hindering the functioning of VKC are highlighted and recommendations to improve the functioning of VKC and consequently, the delivery of EASs are drawn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the idea that a competitive seed system may systematically underserve farmers in small, agro-ecological niches, leaving potential yield gains on the table and farmers in these areas less productive and poorer than they need be. We develop a simple theoretical model that illustrates how a confluence of demand and supply factors can result in such an underserviced equilibrium. To study the empirical veracity of this model, we study the disruption of the maize seed market in Western Kenya that took place when a combination of public sector foundation breeding and social impact investment capital allowed a local seed company to expand and target a niche agro-ecological zone with adaptively-bred maize varieties. A three-year randomized controlled trial reveals that the impacts of these seed varieties on farmer yields and revenues in the niche market were substantial, both for better-resourced farmers (who used nonadapted hybrids and fertilizer prior to the intervention) as well less well-resourced farmers (who did not). Taken together, this theoretical and empirical evidence suggests news ways for thinking about seeds systems in areas typified by the high levels of agro-ecological heterogeneity found in important parts of sub-Saharan Africa.

Information and communications technologies (ICTs) play a key role in improving agricultural production, enhancing socio-ecological resilience, and mitigating rural poverty. However, the use of ICTs for agricultural development among smallholder farmers, especially in the least developed countries, still lags behind. It is therefore critical to understand distinct attitudes among heterogeneous smallholder farmers that determine use of ICTs, such as mobile phones. Moreover, data-driven empirical studies on the use of mobile phones in smallholder settings are still scarce. We bridge this knowledge gap by evaluating the link between the use of mobile phones and various farming types of smallholder farmers in Rwanda. Using the principal component and cluster analysis, we analyzed 690 banana farming households across eight of the 10 major agro-ecological zones of Rwanda and developed a typology of banana farms. We identified three distinct farm types based on a combination of various farmer characteristics and farm operations and endowments, namely the beer banana, livestock-based, and the cooking banana farm types. These farm types clearly differ in terms of ownership and use of both basic and smart mobile devices. Farmers in the cooking banana farm type are far more likely to own and use smart mobile phones than in other types. Regression results further indicated that farm type, gender, and education have significant correlations with the perceived usefulness of mobile phones in agriculture. Major barriers to using ICT-based agricultural services were 1) low awareness of the existence of ICT services, 2) limited availability of ICT services, 3) lack of technical know-how, 4) relatively high prices of ICT devices, and 5) low levels of ICT literacy. This empirical study provides strategically important insights for the transition to digital agriculture in the context of smallholder farming systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examined the effectiveness of linkage mechanism in community development activities (CDAs) in Edo State Nigeria using Data collection through structured questionnaire administration to157 local leaders and 31 extension agents. Results shows obtained show that informal linkage mechanisms like social gathering (18.5% and 22.6%) was very low among local leaders and extension agents while 21.0% of local leaders and all (100%) sampled extension agents used community visits and joint problem identification. Majority (66.6% and 75.0%) of local leaders and extension agents perceived use of linkage mechanisms effective in community development activities. 77.1% of local leaders and 77.4% of the extension agents indicated incompatibility of government policies as serious(% ≥ 50) constraint in the use of linkage mechanism in CDAs by local leaders and the extension agents. Significant difference existed between effectiveness of linkage mechanisms between local leaders (𝑥̅= 43.15) and extension agents (𝑥̅ = 21.86) in facilitating community development activities in the study area as t-test value obtained was 6.72. The study recommends effective linkage mechanism in community development activities; community developers encouraged and assisted through the formulation of compatible policies which would enhance and promote use of linkage mechanisms in community development activities/efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background This study examined the effect of linking small-scale women farmers to markets, referred to as community marketing, and homestead food production extension services in two districts of rural Bangladesh. Method We particularly focused on identifying the relationship between treatment and food security, monthly expenditure patterns, and food production and marketing by adopting a doubly robust method that mediated bias from project site selection and potential misspecification of the postulated outcome or treatment model. Results The main results showed that establishing community marketing sites along with extension services provided women farmers a secured marketing outlet for food production, plausibly associated with a decreased likelihood of a reduction in monthly expenditures on healthcare (12.7 percentage points), child education (19.4 percentage points), and transportation (51.5 percentage points) during the lean season. However, if farmers did not spend extra income generated from marketing on food purchases, it would be difficult to anticipate an improvement in food security. Conclusion Community marketing was devised to link women smallholders to the markets without conflicting with social and cultural norms for which women were responsive, and our research findings supported the claim that they benefited from community marketing participation. Therefore, government, NGO, or other extension providers looking for a culturally appropriate approach to address women farmers’ limited mobility may consider using or modifying community marketing.

The study examined the effectiveness of linkage mechanism in community development activities (CDAs) in Edo State Nigeria using Data collection through structured questionnaire administration to157 local leaders and 31 extension agents. Results shows obtained show that informal linkage mechanisms like social gathering (18.5% and 22.6%) was very low among local leaders and extension agents while 21.0% of local leaders and all (100%) sampled extension agents used community visits and joint problem identification. Majority (66.6% and 75.0%) of local leaders and extension agents perceived use of linkage mechanisms effective in community development activities. 77.1% of local leaders and 77.4% of the extension agents indicated incompatibility of government policies as serious(% ≥ 50) constraint in the use of linkage mechanism in CDAs by local leaders and the extension agents. Significant difference existed between effectiveness of linkage mechanisms between local leaders ( = 43.15) and extension agents ( = 21.86) in facilitating community development activities in the study area as t-test value obtained was 6.72. The study recommends effective linkage mechanism in community development activities; community developers encouraged and assisted through the formulation of compatible policies which would enhance and promote use of linkage mechanisms in community development activities/efforts.

Agricultural Extension Services aim at disseminating new knowledge and skill to farmers to aid them in adopting new agricultural technologies and use their resources efficiently. Agricultural knowledge improves their skill and decision-making and enhances more efficient utilization of agricultural technologies. With a sample of 160 famers collected from Golaghat district of Assam by using multi-staged random sampling method, this study attempts to understand the impact of extension services provided by ATMA (Agricultural Technology Management Agency) in rural Assam. The Propensity Score Matching (PSM) technique is employed to control for potential sample selection biases. The analysis and findings reveal that the extension services provided by ATMA in the study area positively impacts on the income and paddy production of the small and marginal farmers. Timely dissemination of extension services which meet the actual needs of the farmers can impact the farmers income and output production to larger extent.

Through the utilization of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) tools, farmers can get timely, up-to-date, relevant, accurate technical information and advice and extension agents can effectively answer farmers' abundant information needs. Thus, the present study was conducted to investigate the usage of ICT tools in agricultural extension services in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. For the study three districts (i.e. Swat, Haripur and Mardan) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were chosen and a total sample size of 400 respondents was selected. Data were collected through pre-tested and validated interview schedule and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings of the study showed that the maximum of the respondents (34.5%) were in the age category of 36 to 45 years whereas, 25.8% of the respondents were illiterate. About 64.5% of the sampled respondents were owner cultivators and almost 40% of the sampled respondents have farming experience of 21 to 30 years. More than half of the respondents (55%) owned mobile, 22.5% of the respondents owned telephone, 52.8% of the respondents owned television and 9.8% of the sampled respondents owned radio in the study area. About, 49.8% respondents were uncertain about the favorable effects of ICTs on production while 14.2% of the respondents agreed about favorable effects of ICTs on production. Krushkal Wallis analysis showed that there was highly significant difference in respondents' perception about the effect of mobile, telephone, television and radio on production. The study suggested that extension agents are required to create awareness of the use of ICTs among the farming communities. Department of agriculture extension needs to establish an ICT based program so that innovative agricultural information might be communicated to the farming community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Farmers' demand for and use of agricultural extension services in post-conflict countries is key not only to agricultural productivity but for economic transformation and maintenance of peace. This paper examined the effect of socio-economic characteristics of smallholder rice farmers on demand for extension services and the intensity of their use in Gibi District of Liberia. Multistage sampling technique was used in select 296 smallholder rice farmers. Descriptive statistics were used to compare farmers' socio-economic characteristics and the heckpoisson model was used to simultaneously estimate the effect of socio-economic characteristics on demand for extension services and the intensity of their use. The results showed that farm income, sale of crops and mobile phone ownership had significant effect on farmers' demand for extension services, while gender, cash-crop ownership, use of improved seeds, and awareness of extension services had significant effects on the intensity of their use. The study suggests that government implements programs that promote increased provision of needed farm inputs for greater use of extension services and encourages commercialization among farmers. Also, service providers should tailor their services to the farmers' socio-economic characteristics.

Urban agricultural activities can have a minimum or a substantial contribution to the livelihoods of people. They can either conserve or pollute the environment and degrade the land. The information about ensuring agricultural productivity with less effect on the environment is dynamic and the causes of dynamisms are not clear. The study was conducted to examine the cause of dynamisms in relation to changing institutional frameworks and political regimes. The study used qualitative research design and a case study strategy and 60 respondents were interviewed. We did content analysis to analyse qualitative data. The findings revealed that agricultural extension services and trainings, as well as environmental conservation awareness about good agricultural practice were provided to farmers and non-farmers, although the success was not promising. The uncoordinated agricultural activities were rhetorically managed and sometimes managed in uncoordinated ways. In tune with provision of agricultural extension services and awareness of conserving the environment to farmers, the mere conservation of the environment was not successful, unless it had a possibility of increasing agricultural productivity and helping farmers to get their livelihood needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the performance of agricultural extension managers and the factors influencing it in the case study of Uganda. Secondary data was analysed using descriptive statistics and econometric models. The amount of extension grant received and the education of the extension manager positively influence extension managers' performance, whereas voter turnout has the opposite effect. This study is important for understanding the institutional capacity to implement well-managed and effective public services, such as agricultural extension, which are significant for development. It presents a novel methodology for secondary data analysis, which could be applied to other fields and countries. This study expands the theoretical boundary for analysing performance in agricultural extension by illustrating the use of unique performance indicators that have not been widely applied. The study contributes an innovative method to conceptualise the determinants of extension managers' performance using secondary data. This is the first study to examine the performance of agricultural extension managers as the literature has thus far focused on agricultural field agents and organisations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban agricultural activities can have a minimum or a substantial contribution to the livelihoods of people. They can either conserve or pollute the environment and degrade the land. The information about ensuring agricultural productivity with less effect on the environment is dynamic and the causes of dynamisms are not clear. The study was conducted to examine the cause of dynamisms in relation to changing institutional frameworks and political regimes. The study used qualitative research design and a case study strategy and 60 respondents were interviewed. We did content analysis to analyse qualitative data. The findings revealed that agricultural extension services and trainings, as well as environmental conservation awareness about good agricultural practice were provided to farmers and non-farmers, although the success was not promising. The uncoordinated agricultural activities were rhetorically managed and sometimes managed in uncoordinated ways. In tune with provision of agricultural extension services and awareness of conserving the environment to farmers, the mere conservation of the environment was not successful, unless it had a possibility of increasing agricultural productivity and helping farmers to get their livelihood needs.

The study aimed to assess the potential of smartphone applications for strengthening accountability in public agricultural extension services. Therefore, a smartphone application called 'e-diary' was developed and tested in Uganda. A Design Science Research approach was used for the development and assessment of the e-diary. Individual face-to-face interviews and focus group discussions were used for data collection. Data analysis was conducted using the content analysis method. The findings indicate that smartphone applications have the potential to strengthen accountability in the public agricultural extension services by enabling remote supervision in real-time, which reduces the costs and time of supervision. However, the study also indicates that the successful implementation of such tools requires incentives such as awards of recognition. These findings contribute to the understanding of the potential role of ICTs in strengthening the management of public services (such as agricultural extension) in developing economies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recognising potential selection bias due to non-randomness of the data, this study used propensity score matching on data from a nationally representative fifth Integrated Household Survey (IHS5) to investigate the effect of agriculture extension services on the technical efficiency of maize farmers in Malawi. Technical efficiency levels were estimated using the stochastic frontier model. The results show that most farmers are technically efficient, with an average technical efficiency of 63%. This indicates that there is still a possibility to increase maize output by 37% using the same level of inputs. The results of the propensity score matching reveal that having access to agricultural extension services significantly increases maize farmers' technical efficiency, by about 4%. This evidence presents an opportunity not only for farmers, but also for the relevant policymakers, to realise the potential of using agricultural extension services to enhance the production capacity of maize farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to identify the role of agricultural cooperatives related to the implementation of various agricultural extension services at Kafr ElSheikh Governorate. The specific objectives of the study focused on identifying agricultural cooperatives' managers opinions regarding implementation of agricultural extension activities in the fields of agricultural extension services. As well as, determining the pitfalls of managing such cooperatives, and the degree of finding solutions to these problems. A simple random sample was selected from directors of local agricultural cooperatives organizations in the governorate. The total sample size of 103 respondents according to Krejcie and Morgan equation. Field data was collected using personal interviews questionnaire. Means, percentages, relative mean, standard deviation and range were used as tools for statistical analysis. The most important results were as follows: 89.3% and 68% of respondents admitted that the researched agricultural cooperatives have a low and medium level in implementing activities related to the fields of agricultural extension work. It was also found that the application of educational services ranked first with a relative average of 1.45 degrees, while the implementation of material services came in the second order with a relative average of 0.93 degrees, from the viewpoint of respondents. The major shortcoming in the provision of material extension services of the researched agricultural cooperatives were represented in contributing for crops marketing to members cooperatively, and the provision of improved and guaranteed poultry breeds, while the major shortcoming in the extension educational role was exemplified -in descending order- in the lack of the following program areas: efficiency in marketing, rural youth development, conservation and maintenance of land resources, and agricultural business management. The results also showed that although many pitfalls in managing the researched agricultural cooperatives as reported by 58% of respondents, the degree of solving those pitfalls is low, as mentioned by 66% of director. The major pitfalls were lack of organization, shortage in personnel training and development, as well as, unavailability of funds and lack of coordination with relevant and concerned organizations. The study concluded certain some conclusions and recommendations to be considered to enhance the extension educational role of the agricultural cooperatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A key assumption behind decentralisation in developing countries is that it enhances the accountability of local government and results in policies that reflect the preferences of the local community. However, previous research shows that local politicians and administrators in many developing countries to a large extent behave as if they were primarily accountable to central government, not local communities. The literature suggests various explanatory factors but does not provide insight into their relative weight and into how different factors interact. This paper combines comparative case-study research with in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with local government politicians and officials involved in the delivery of agricultural extension services in Tanzania. It shows that limited administrative and political decentralisation and centralistic human resources management restrict downward accountability to the community. Downward accountability is also constrained by the social rules that local politicians and administrators observe. For downward accountability to materialise, formal systems of public administration need to introduce incentives to that effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Farm household survey data collected in rural districts of central and northern Malawi were used to investigate factors that influenced smallholders to replace groundnut varieties. The results of the study showed that smallholders have not entirely replaced conventional varieties with modern ones. For the group of smallholders that replaced conventional with the modern varieties, few reverted to the former. Further results of a bivariate probit regression model indicated that the production of groundnuts for food and income increased the probability of replacing both conventional and modern varieties. Farmers' perception of the relevance of agricultural extension services to groundnut production and land allocated to the cultivation of groundnuts increased the likelihood to replace conventional varieties. Conversely, poor rural road infrastructure decreased the probability of replacing the same. In other results, experience in groundnut production, education level of the farmer, membership of farmer organisations, and inadequate access to quality seed increased the likelihood of replacing modern varieties. The study's findings suggest that promoting an integrated seed system of groundnut varieties is critical for the adoption and conservation of improved and conventional varieties and could contribute to the food and income security of farm households. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural Extension Services (AES) aim to improve farming knowledge that helps in increasing crop production and the technical efficiency of paddy farmers in Bangladesh. The purposes of this study are to measure the impact of an AES, namely, the Blue Gold programme, on the technical efficiency and production level of the Boro paddy farmers in southwest rural Bangladesh. A total of 122 paddy farmers were interviewed, employing a random sampling method. To analyse the technical efficiency of the farmers, the Cobb-Douglas stochastic frontier model was employed. The findings show that the mean technical efficiency levels of the participants and non-participants are 95% and 82%, producing 162.74 and 136.48 maunds per hectare, respectively. The findings are indispensable for devising strategies for environment-friendly agricultural activities and rural economic development in Bangladesh.

The study was conducted to assess the challenges and opportunities of women's participation in agricultural extension services in Jabithenan and South Achefer Woredas of Amhara Region, Ethiopia. Using a simple random sampling technique, 225 sample respondents were recruited. Quantitative data were collected using questionnaires. Eleven participants from each woreda were randomly selected for FGDs. Besides, a total of four subject-matter-specialists, six development agents, and two socio-economists were treated as key informants. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The results indicated that women's participation was jeopardized by socio-cultural factors. The major ones were women's lack of self-worth, development-agents gender biasedness' and the community's doubt on women's capacity. The foremost institutional and organizational impediments were the weaknesses of "one-to-five" and "farmers development-groups", the unjustifiable intervention of superiors in the tasks of development-agents, and the absence of community rules and bylaws for joint couples' participation. The major economic hindrances were the expensiveness of agricultural inputs, short-age of draft oxen, and low income. Political obstacles that affected women's participation were the excessive focus on model farmers, women's under-representation in kebele administration, and the low dedication of women's league, and civil societies working with women. Women's participation was also affected by their perception, distance from the main road, and type of household. Despite the measures taken over the years by the government to make them beneficiaries, lots of work is still required to address many of the hindrances that affect their participation in agricultural extension services in the study areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the intersection of gender and place with agricultural extension services to understand disparities in resource and information access and build community resilience in post-conflict Liberia. It emphasizes how such intersections may be further compounded by climate change and provides possible solutions. Using a community-based research approach, 352 surveys and 44 focus groups were conducted in 22 communities in 3 counties in north-central Liberia. Subsequently, qualitative, quantitative, and spatial analyses were done to explore gender and place-based differences in farmer access to agricultural resources and household agency. Study results show that women farmers have less access to technology, agricultural resources and information; higher, combined productive and domestic, labor burdens; and that farmers of both genders want more female extension officers. This study provides critical data to help effectively target limited expenditures on national extension services to smallholder farmers in post-conflict settings. Further, solutions for practitioners to adaptively mitigate farming challenges enhanced by climate change. Studying the intersection among gender, rural isolation and diminished capacity in post-conflict countries will enhance understanding of (extension service) capacity in settings with multiple drivers affecting gender inequalities. Improve the overall understanding of how compounding factors such as gender and place effect extension service access and the ability of farmers to adapt to change, in Liberia and other post-conflict settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building on Lipsky, public administration scholars have conducted ample research on the coping strategies of street-level bureaucrats. To explain their behaviour, many studies focus on the individual characteristics of street-level workers or on features of the organization that they form part of. So far, less attention has been paid to the influence of the wider institutional context. This article presents findings of research on how different elements of the institutional context – the formal public administration, the norms of the professional community and the expectations of the public – can explain the coping strategies of agricultural extension officers in Tanzania. In the absence of specific guidance from the administrative context and of pressure by the public, the strategies that these street-level workers choose are primarily inspired by the norms of their professional community. Points for practitioners: Public managers should be especially aware of the fact that, to a large extent, the professional norms of street-level workers determine how they use their discretion. Therefore, the training of street-level bureaucrats should not only focus on their professional abilities, but also include the transfer of key values of the public service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the effective roles of public research institutions (PRIs) in social innovation and understand the element of communal support in researchers-farmers partnership. The case study on Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) reveals that the partnership between researchers and farmers is limited. The only productive and formal channel for researchers to reach the farmers is through agricultural extension agencies. It found that there are three elements that drive sustainable social innovation in agriculture: (1) quality research by PRIs; (2) efficient extension agency in disseminating knowledge to farmers; and (3) productive farmers in delivering high-yields farming. This paper claimed that the presence of partnership between researchers in PRIs and farmers is the crucial pivot in ensuring innovation reaches the target group. The study also found the potential of civil society organizations to transform farmers into more active innovation actors in the agricultural innovation system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the last 10 years, different initiatives have been implemented to provide mobile-based extension services for the agricultural sector in Egypt. The current study compared the quality of agricultural extension messages between public and private providers. A simple random sample of 120 farmers was selected representing 7% of the total farmers registered in the databases of Ministry of Agriculture (public services) and Shoura company (private services). Farmers assessed a sample of 10 messages delivered by both providers in terms of six indicators namely (1) access, (2) utilization, (3) timeliness, (4) trust, (5) satisfaction, and (6) sharing information with other farmers. The findings revealed the lack of access to messages by the farmers in the two services. However, more than 50% had utilized the majority of messages (in case of access). The study also showed significant differences between perception of farmers to quality attributes in public and private services (Access 6.77, 0.01; Utilization 8.44, 0.004; Timeliness 8.55, 0.002; Satisfaction 8.88, 0.001; information sharing 7.62, 0.009) except for trust (1.11, 0.4). Findings provide practical implications to support mobile-based extension services to enable sharing information and link farmers with other actors in the agricultural value chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ADPs were designed in response to a fall in agricultural productivity and hence a concern to sustain domestic food supplies. The study examined “Financing Agriculture in Nigeria through Agricultural Extension Services of Agricultural Development Programmes.” It sought to ascertain the extent to which agricultural extension services of the agricultural development programmes have impacted the financing of agriculture in six selected local government areas in Edo South senatorial district, Nigeria using a sample of 120 respondents. Stratified random sampling was used to select the respondents. Interview schedule served as the research instrument. The research data were analyzed using t-test and Pearson correlation, which served as the inferential statistics. The research findings showed that the extension services of ADP have impacted significantly on crop development in the selected communities but have not had significant impact on employment creation and the development of infrastructural facilities. The study also revealed that there was no significant difference between the implementation of the projects in the selected communities, as revealed by the correlation test. On the basis of the research findings, the need for a complete redesign of the project to ensure that it achieves its stated goals as well as ensure proper monitoring of its implementation were suggested, among others.

The ADPs were designed in response to a fall in agricultural productivity and hence a concern to sustain domestic food supplies. The study examined “Financing Agriculture in Nigeria through Agricultural Extension Services of Agricultural Development Programmes.” It sought to ascertain the extent to which agricultural extension services of the agricultural development programmes have impacted the financing of agriculture in six selected local government areas in Edo South senatorial district, Nigeria using a sample of 120 respondents. Stratified random sampling was used to select the respondents. Interview schedule served as the research instrument. The research data were analyzed using t-test and Pearson correlation, which served as the inferential statistics. The research findings showed that the extension services of ADP have impacted significantly on crop development in the selected communities but have not had significant impact on employment creation and the development of infrastructural facilities. The study also revealed that there was no significant difference between the implementation of the projects in the selected communities, as revealed by the correlation test. On the basis of the research findings, the need for a complete redesign of the project to ensure that it achieves its stated goals as well as ensure proper monitoring of its implementation were suggested, among others.

Women rarely participate in extension services and have little contact with extension service organizations. Increasing extension service to female farmers in rural areas of Ethiopia remains challenging. Reports say that there is low participation of women vegetable farmers in agricultural extension services in Toke-Kutayedistrict, Oromia region, Ethiopia.Therefore, this study seeks to assess the factors influencing rural women participation in agricultural extension services employing both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Out of the 132 women vegetable producers selected for this study, there were 79 participants and 53 non-participants of agricultural extension services. Quantitative data from primary sources were collected using a semi-structured interview schedule. Qualitative data were collected through key informant interviews and focus group discussions.The results of the Binary Logit regression model estimate indicate that out of the 16 explanatory variables included in the model, farming experience, sex of development agent, irrigable land holding size and access to credit shows significant and positive relation with participation whereas, time spent on domestic activities, distance from water source, mobility constraints and sex of household headship shows significant and negative relationship with women participation.

In many European regions the Irrigation Advisory Services (IASs) are adopted by farmers for sustainable irrigation practices. These tools are adequate to facilitate the adoption of environmental certification schemes, such as water footprint, which could improve the sustainability of production processes. As part of a survey conducted on 116 farmers among Italy, Greece and Croatia, it was possible to understand their level of awareness with respect to the certification systems in order to evaluate possible actions to be taken to increase awareness of their use. The results showed that farmers still have a certain unawareness with respect to the true added value, in economic terms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Agricultural, Environmental & Veterinary Sciences is the property of Arab Journal of Sciences & Research Publishing (AJSRP) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In Uganda, agricultural-related policies clearly commit to a Gender and Development (GAD) approach but in many cases, the praxis follows a Women in Development (WID) approach. The same approach cascades into the operations of nonstate actors like Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). Using extensive document review and a gender analysis of key policy documents in Information Communication Technology (ICT) enabled agricultural practice, the article focuses on ways CSOs take up government policies on ICT and agricultural information to improve farmers' access to agricultural information. Findings show that the government still opts for the male-dominated traditional agricultural extension system. CSOs, in contrast, have adopted a more democratized approach that allows more women to directly access extension services using mobile phones and radios. Whereas the initial aim is a focus on women, men have been allowed to participate in CSO-enabled agricultural information access, challenging the negative gender relations surrounding agriculture, and ICTs that include threats of domestic violence and the refusal of women to use technologies. Breaking these barriers has resulted into better access to agricultural information, more benefits through increased production, access to markets, and income, and more land for women and men alike. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Agricultura Sociedad y Desarrollo is the property of Colegio de Postgraduados and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract The study investigates whether access to agricultural extension services enhances the well-known positive impact of adopting Drought Tolerant Maize (DTM) technology on livelihood outcomes; maize yield, output per capita, consumption and sales using a representative dataset of smallholder farming households from Zimbabwe. The empirical analysis adopts an instrumental variable regression model that incorporates an endogenous interaction term to capture the intermediary role of institutional extension services. Results reveal that access to agricultural extension services enhances the relationship between DTM adoption and maize yield, output per capita, and consumption but appears to weaken the association between DTM adoption and the amount of maize set aside for sale. In exploring the potential reasons why access to institutional extension services might enhance the DTM adoption-livelihood outcomes relationship, the results suggest mechanisms related to the use of basal fertilizers, use of organic manure, access to agricultural credit, use of certified DTM seed, access to general production and marketing information, weeding frequency and disease control which are more likely to be influenced by access to agricultural extension services. The findings suggest that policies targeted at improving DTM adoption as a climate-smart agricultural technology to improve resilience of smallholder maize farming households to climate variability and change must be complemented by revitalized agriculture extension services. Revitalization of extension services may come through capacity building of extension institutions, and their personnel, improving agricultural extension infrastructure, mobility of extension personnel, and increased financing to such institutions. Highlights • Explored the mediating role of agricultural extension services on the livelihood impacts of drought tolerant maize. • Agricultural extension services enhance the impact of drought tolerant maize on maize yield and consumption. • Agricultural extension services appear to weaken the impact of drought tolerant maize on maize quantities set aside for sales. • Revitalized agricultural extension services can improve the impact of maize technologies to society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ADPs were designed in response to a fall in agricultural productivity and hence a concern to sustain domestic food supplies. The study examined “Financing Agriculture in Nigeria through Agricultural Extension Services of Agricultural Development Programmes.” It sought to ascertain the extent to which agricultural extension services of the agricultural development programmes have impacted the financing of agriculture in six selected local government areas in Edo South senatorial district, Nigeria using a sample of 120 respondents. Stratified random sampling was used to select the respondents. Interview schedule served as the research instrument. The research data were analyzed using t-test and Pearson correlation, which served as the inferential statistics. The research findings showed that the extension services of ADP have impacted significantly on crop development in the selected communities but have not had significant impact on employment creation and the development of infrastructural facilities. The study also revealed that there was no significant difference between the implementation of the projects in the selected communities, as revealed by the correlation test. On the basis of the research findings, the need for a complete redesign of the project to ensure that it achieves its stated goals as well as ensure proper monitoring of its implementation were suggested, among others.