Assessment of Extension Agents’ Constraints to Effective Delivery of Agricultural Extension Services in North Central Areas of Namibia

Abstract

Agricultural extension plays a crucial role in agricultural development and supports farmers and rural communities; it remains a powerful strategy for enhancing agricultural productivity. This study assessed the views of agricultural extension staff on the major constraints to effective agricultural extension services in the North Central region. The analysis was based on data collected through a mixed-methods approach, including a survey of 26 extension staff members, focus group discussions and interviews with key informants. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. This study revealed major constraints include low farmer participation (88.5%), large area coverage (57.7%), limited budget (80.8%), poor linkage between extension and research (69.2%), limited kilometres for vehicles (69.2%), lack of technical support (61.5%), lack of technology and innovations (57.7%) and lack of supervision (46.2%) and limited skills (34.6%). Therefore, it is recommended that the government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR), allocate more financial and human resources in terms of the operational budget for logistical support, staff complement and continuous capacity building. There is a need to use appropriate transportation technology that is cheaper to reach as many farmers as possible, such as motorbikes instead of motor vehicles, to reduce fuel costs. There is also a need to strengthen the relationship between extension and researchers, as well as to emphasise farmers’ motivation to actively participate in extension activities to ensure the effective delivery of extension services. This can be achieved by codesigning research and coproducing solutions with farmers.