Kenya's agricultural extension landscape has undergone significant transformation, moving from government control to privatization and a demand-driven approach. This shift has brought new challenges, most notably the absence of a central coordination mechanism. In this blog post I'm excited to share findings from a study I conducted with a number of colleagues, specifically, the pivotal role played by the Kenyan Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (KeFAAS) in addressing these challenges and bolstering coordination for the benefit of farmers and the agricultural sector.
Challenges Faced: Despite the promising changes in Kenyan extension, several hurdles emerged:
Coordination Gap: The lack of a central coordinating body made it difficult to connect with farmers and service providers, leading to low productivity and restricted market access.
Technology Diffusion: Spreading agricultural innovations, particularly in remote areas, became problematic, leaving small-scale farmers with limited access to crucial resources.
Private Prioritization: Private extension services tended to favor more productive regions, neglecting resource-poor farmers and exacerbating disparities.
KeFAAS's Initiatives: KeFAAS proactively tackled these issues through strategic measures:
Effective Communication: They developed informative materials, clarifying KeFAAS's mission and value, aiding potential members' understanding.
Active Engagement: KeFAAS actively participated in national agricultural fairs, fostering direct connections with stakeholders.
Capacity Building: They invested in member capacity by providing training on extension-focused curriculum, enhancing industry knowledge.
Positive Impacts: KeFAAS's actions yielded positive results:
Stronger Connections: Participation in agricultural fairs and clear communication strengthened ties with like-minded organizations, such as the Smallholder Seed Producers Network (SSN).
Mutually Beneficial Projects: Collaborations, like the one with SSN, led to successful projects and secured funding, benefiting both parties and expanding their reach.
Improved Coordination: KeFAAS's emphasis on shared knowledge and goals enhanced extension coordination, benefiting farmers and the sector.
So What?: KeFAAS's achievements highlight the power of shared knowledge, goals, and mutual respect in enhancing coordination. To build on this success, we recommend:
Establishing advisory councils with diverse representatives.
Prioritizing knowledge sharing and awareness building among members and affiliated organizations.
Creating dedicated platforms for information dissemination.
By adopting these strategies, agricultural extension services can be more efficient and effective in addressing the diverse needs of farmers in Kenya and beyond.
For additional information I've included the source research for reference:
Lamm, K. W., Masambuka-Kanchewa F., Lamm, A. J., Davis, K., & Nahdy, S. (2020). Strengthening coordination among extension service providers for improved provision of agricultural extension and advisory services: A case study from Kenya. Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education, 27(3), 18-26. https://doi.org/10.4148/2831-5960.1100
Please be sure to share your thoughts and feedback in the comments below!
Comments