African Journals Online
South African Journal of Agricultural Extension

Volume 31, 2002
ABSTRACTS

Extension staffs' perceptions of factors affecting co-ordination and partnerships in agricultural extension services in Rakai district, Uganda

Mwanje, E.E.; Duvel, G.H.; Mangheni, M.N.

Abstract: In Uganda's Rakai District, (with a population of about 400,000) there are over a dozen organizations involved in delivery of agricultural extension services. To improve service delivery, a model for inter-organizational coordination of extension services is proposed. The model stipulates that coordination depends on ; (a) perception of need for coordination, (b) planning for coordination, (c) communication and information systems, and (d) organizational and societal structures. The model is used to design a survey instrument to determine factors affecting coordination of agricultural extension services in the District. All extension staff (N = 173) was requested to complete a questionnaire that was developed after discussions with selected extension staff, farmers, and extension and local leaders. Results, from 149 respondents (86% response rate) are summarised as follows: The most outstanding means of coordination that were used by extension organizations in the District include: (a) working with farmer development committees; (b) involving politicians in planning ; (c) strengthening relevant associations; and (d) coordination mechanisms at the District level. Various reasons why coordination was important were identified, notably the following:

• harmonisation of programmes to avoid duplication of services ;
• sharing of experiences for effective and efficient service delivery ;
• development of systematic procedures for delivery of services; and
• it minimises wastage of resources.

Finally, the following recommendations for improving coordination were perceived as the most efficacious:

• harmonisation of plans among organisations to avoid contradictions, duplications, or conflicts ;
• establishing a common forum for exchange of information ; and
• establishing co-ordination mechanisms at District, sub-county and parish levels.

'n Kommunikasiestrategie vir kleinboerontwikkeling / A communication strategy for small farmer development

Viljoen, H.C.; Laubscher, J.; Marincowitz, G.J.O.

Abstract: Enige doeltreffende voorligting- en inligtingstelsel moet op die behoeftes en idioom van die boer berus. Aangesien die inligtingsbehoeftes van die kommersiële boere oor die algemeen bevredig word terwyl die teenoorgestelde by ontwikkelende landbouers geld, fokus hierdie studie op die ontwerp van 'n kommunikasiestrategie wat gerig is op die kleinboer, maar wat tegelyk versoenbaar is met die behoeftes van die kommersiële boer. 'n Deelnemende kommunikasiebenadering vir inligtingbediening word voorgehou wat alle belangstellendes in staat sal stel om aktief deel te neem aan die stelsel en nie bloot ontvangers te wees van eksterne opgestelde boodskappe nie.

Any meaningful extension and information system has to be based on the needs and in the vernacular of the farmer. Since the information needs of commercial farmers are - on the whole - satisfied while the opposite applies to developing farmers, this study focuses on the design of an information strategy aimed at the small farmer while it is simultaneously reconcilable with the needs of the commercial farmer. An approach of participating communication is suggested - one that will enable all interested parties to play an active role in the system instead of simply being recipients of pre-conceived messages.

Is needs assessment in extension programs rationally objective or mostly political?

Mwangi, J.G.; Rutatora, D.F.

Abstract: Opinions differ on whether needs assessment in extension programs is carried out rationally, objectively and free of undue political influence. This paper raises issues such as: Is needs assessment rationally objective or mostly political? Is it a luxury or a necessity? Who should carry it out? Should program needs be determined by extension specialists or the clientele? Answers to these questions have serious implications on how rigorously they use needs assessment information. The way the information is used may ultimately determine the success or failure of extension programs. This paper offers some answers to the issues raised and therefore contributes significantly to our understanding of the concept of needs assessment.

Needs assessments in extension: results and implications of different assessment methods

Duvel, G.H.

Abstract: The paradigm shift to more participatory approaches and the extensive use of PRA has emphasised the importance of needs, but has also led to more questions regarding the reliability and validity of the various methods. This paper compares different approaches of needs assessment in order to get a better understanding of their possibilities and limitations. The findings are based on a study conducted in Ganyesa, a rural district of the North West Province of South Africa, for which data was collected in three phases using different methods.

Evidence in support of the hypothesis, that problems and needs can be used interchangeably, was found in the highly significant correlation between respondents' importance rank order of identified problem and needs. From comparative observations of the spontaneity of responses regarding own problems and needs, it appears that these assessments are equally reliable and valid. Respondents also seem to find it easier to list the problems of the community than their own.

Needs are influenced very significantly by group interaction and they also change over time, as was shown by a comparison of assessments done at two year intervals. This has practical implications regarding the value of assessed needs and emphasises the importance of remaining sensitive regarding changing needs as situations change.

Gender, age and geographic location (service centres) were investigated as determinants having a possible influence on the individual's needs. The latter has by far the biggest influence and thus justifies separate need appraisals per community or sub-community.

Attributes like attitude and commitment for effective extension

Steyn, G.J.; Stevens, J.B.

Abstract: It has become evident that South African Extension, especially in relation to the small-scale farmers has performed poorly. Human motivation is a complicated matter, but in general it has to do with needs, beliefs and attitudes. This paper has adopted a theoretical approach regarding attitude and commitment as inhibiting characteristics of an effective and successful Extension organisation.

Constraints to agricultural extension work in Ethiopia: the insiders' view

Belay, Kassa

Abstract: This paper examines principal obstacles to agricultural extension work in Ethiopia. The historical review reveals that extension programs and policies have been formulated without due consideration to the farmers' opinion, the various extension approaches have been biased against the livestock sub-sector, and research and extension activities have been carried out by different organizations without proper coordination. Both the historical review and the survey results confirm that extension work in the country has not been participatory in its nature, the research-extension linkage has been very poor, and extension agents have been involved in different activities which are not related to their normal duties. The study reveals that apart from the fact that the number of extension workers in the country is very small, their qualification and communication skills leave a lot to be desired. The study makes it also clear that a host of factors, most of which are policy related, obstructs extension agents from discharging their duties properly.