A comparison of project participants and extension officers’ perceptions of the market in agricultural projects in the North West Province, South Africa

The study examined the perception of project participants and extension officers regarding marketing of agricultural produce in agricultural projects in the North West Province. The objective of the study was primarily to compare the perceptions of project participants and extension officers. When establishing a project, market and its stability with regards to the produce of the project has to be established on whether the project will maximise profit, maintain market share, or consolidate market position. The major findings of the study according to both project participants and extension officer respondents revealed that: (a)The market was reasonable according to 54% of project participants and 53% of extension officer respondents; (b) The market remained unchanged according to 48% of both respondent categories; (c) Produce slightly met the market requirements in terms of quality; (d) Produce did not meet market requirements in terms of contract; (e) The market price was average; (f) The market assessment in terms of the quantity it can absorb was average; (g) Project participants used hired transport according to 35% of both respondent categories; and (h) 33% of both respondent categories indicated that produce were marketed locally within the community.Keywords: Perception, Projects, Market, Produce, Project participants, Extension officer

Identification of factors that influence the performance of extension management systems in Kweneng and southern districts of Botswana

Since 1999, the government of Botswana has implemented the Performance Management System (PMS) as a public service reform tool for all the ministries with the aim to improve and monitor performance of the public service including public extension. The general objective of the study was to identify factors that influence PMS in extension service delivery as perceived by the extension officers, supervisors, performance improvement coordinators, and the strategic office of the Ministry of Agriculture. Questionnaires were administered to the respondents in the Kweneng and Southern Districts of Botswana. The results revealed various factors that lead to failure of the PMS which include the use of a blueprint approach to implement the system, inadequate resources, and unfairness in individual performance appraisal. Therefore, rethinking the ministry structure and culture is recommended.Keywords: Performance management, Performance management system, Extension, Extension officer

Weak and or non-existent farmer-research-extension linkage structures, a cause for concern: the Nyanga District Perspective, Zimbabwe

The purpose of the study was to establish the current state of public research-extension-farmer linkages in Nyanga district of Zimbabwe. The target sample population was comprised of 150 communal farmers (N=150) from three clusters in Nyanga districts, as well as 12 extension officers (N=12) and six research officers (N=6). The study revealed that evaluation of the frequency of communication and communication channels used by the three stakeholders does not suggest or support any proper structural linkages. The study also revealed very weak farmers-extension linkages and non-existent farmer-research linkages as well as research-extension linkages. There is a general lack of understanding of the concept of linkage amongst research and extension officers as well as the farmers.Keywords: structural linkages, extension, extension officers, research officers, farmer

A comparison of project participants and extension officers' perception regarding knowledge of production in agricultural projects in the North West Province, South Africa

The study examined the perception and knowledge of project participants and extension officers about production knowledge in agricultural projects. The objective of the study was to compare the perception and knowledge of project participants and extension officers regarding production knowledge in agricultural projects before and at interview. The questionnaire was designed to collect data, in which structured and unstructured questions were used. To ensure a good flow of ideas, the questionnaire was divided into distinct sections. Data was captured and analysed by the Department of Statistics of the University of Pretoria. The data was collected by means of personal interviews with a total of 129 project participants and 75 extension officers. Knowledge of both respondent categories was assessed in terms of participants’ knowledge about the commodities to be produced for a particular area before production, and at interview. Knowledge assessment was based on the production status of the commodity, special design requirements, special machines and equipment requirements, special transport requirements, quality assurance requirements, labour requirements, and time devoted on the produce. The major findings were as follows: (1) Project participants did not have knowledge at the start of their project, but had acquired knowledge by the time of interviews and there was a clear indication of a need for structured training at the project level.Keywords: Projects, Production, Knowledge, Perception, Project Participants, Extension Officer

Community gardens as a strategy for coping with climate shocks in Bikita District, Masvingo, Zimbabwe

Drought is the most important climate shock affecting rural farmers this century. In a bid to reduce the effects of climate shocks, coping strategies are being investigated. Community gardens is one such strategy. The purpose of the study was to objectively look at the dynamics involved in community gardens, that is, the significance the gardens have on poverty, food security and income of rural farmers. The study was carried out in Bikita District, Masvingo Province, Zimbabwe. Rural farmers in this area have been hit hard by drought and the effect climate change has had on agricultural production. The main findings of the study showed that community garden participants are mainly women. Many farmers expressed ignorance on the existence and risks associated with climate shocks but agreed that temperatures have increased and rainfall has decreased in the past decade. Several farmers indicated that they do not acquire income from sale of their crops and vegetables, as most are used for household consumption. However, those getting an income use it for basic necessities, children’s education and maintaining their farm business. Although there were some constraints, water insufficiency being the largest, community gardens provided many benefits, including social, economic and environmental benefits.Keywords: Community gardens, climate shocks, food security, adaptation, vulnerability, drought, extension service