Agricultural Extension Needs of Frontline Extension Workers under a Pluralistic Advisory System: Case of Zimbabwe Agricultural Growth Programme.

Subject Areas : Agricultural Extension

Christopher Gadzirayi ¹ , Never Mafuse ² , Emmanuel Zivenge ³ , Ronald Veremu ⁴ , Waddlove Sansole ⁵

1 - Bindura University of Science Education
2 - Bindura University
3 - Department of Agriculture, Bindura University of Science Education
4 - WELTHUNGERHILFE
5 - WELTHUNGERHILFE

Received: 2020-10-20 Accepted : 2020-12-04 Published : 2020-12-04

Keywords: Agricultural extension, Competencies, needs, pluralistic,

Abstract :

Compartmentalised extension prohibits the uptake of new technology thereby inhibiting agricultural growth. Extension services aimed at increased agricultural growth should have a market-led and evidence-based pluralistic advisory system that is coordinated by the government’s Agricultural and Technical Services division in response to the needs of farmers. This study sought to assess extension needs of government front line extension workers. The research was conducted in four districts of Zimbabwe. The research used a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods, including a survey and focus group discussions. The Competency Borich Needs Assessment Model to assess the extension competence needs was adopted. The results revealed that the extension officers were slightly above moderate level of competency in 10 of the 21 agricultural competencies and at moderate level in 1 of the 21 agricultural competencies. Regarding the required level of agricultural competencies needed by extension workers, the results showed a fairly high total mean level (TM = 3.45). Therefore, the extension workers believed that agricultural competencies were moderately needed to be improved. There is greater need to spruce up technical, extension and organisational competencies within the whole structure of Agricultural extension front line staff.

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