Towards Improving Agricultural Extension Service Delivery in the SADC Region

Abstract

Sustainability and productivity of agricultural sector worldwide depends on the quality and effectiveness of extension services among other factors. Observations show that in developing countries, there is a gap between agricultural performance and available research information. This has been attributed to poor extension services delivery as well as limited interaction between technology developers (researchers) and extension workers. Poor communication between actors in extension services delivery particularly the Government, NGOs, private sector (agribusiness) and farmers has also been shown to hinder flow of developed technologies to farming communities. Extension workers are known to be the link between researchers and farmers. To fulfill this role effectively they have to keep abreast with new technological developments. This calls for the extension workers and researchers to work together as partners in the research and innovation processes with strong linkages. A strong link between extension workers and researchers will improve the quality of disseminated information, as well as, adoption of new technologies by farmers, and consequently lead to increased agricultural production and improved livelihoods of the rural poor.