The Impact of Agricultural Extension Service in Improving Vegetable Production in the West Coast Region of the Gambia

Abstract

The study attempts to look at the role of Agricultural Extension Services in the improvement of vegetable production. Six vegetables schemes in Western Region of the Gambia for agricultural extension support and non- agricultural extension services support schemes were selected. Simple random sampling technique was employed to select sixty women producers for all the six garden schemes and three Agricultural Extension Agents. Majority of the respondents highlighted inadequate water/irrigation facilities, high cost of farm inputs/implements and, pests and diseases as the major constraints to production especially the non- vegetable support schemes. Occasional glut of vegetables in the market, in adequate transport, inadequate storage facilities and limited marketing outlets were marketing constraints which have adversely affected their production and income level. The authorities and Ministry of Agriculture should double efforts to enhance the number and capacity of Agricultural Extension Services for the successful dissemination of production technologies to non- vegetable support schemes, so that production and income can be improved.