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. تفاصيل المقالة

This study, aimed at examining the economic efficiency of resettled A1 maize farmers in maize supply chains. The main objective of the study was to find out the most economic supply chain Descriptive statistics was used to describe inputs sources and outputs while DEA was used to assess the economic efficiency of farmers in supply chains. Multi-stage sampling procedure was adopted to sample the respondents in Marondera District. A total of 343 respondents were interviewed using structured interview guide. Results indicated that, A1 farmers participate in a number of markets that include agricultural inputs markets and credit markets which include banks as well as labour markets. Results also indicated that formal channel is more efficient than informal channel. Farmers are economically efficient at production stage than marketing stage. Farmers are recommended to use formal channel of marketing because they are more efficient than informal channel. Farmers will get more money by using the formal channels than informal channels. The government is also recommended to correct inefficiencies and ineffective institutions that have given rise to more informal activities. DOR:20.1001.1.22517588.2021.11.1.3.5 تفاصيل المقالة