Attitude of Follower Farmers Towards Lead Farmer Approach in Facilitating Conservation Agriculture Practices in Kalira Extension Planning Area in Ntchisi District, Malawi
محورهای موضوعی : Agricultural Extension
1 - Department of Agri-Sciences, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Mzuzu University, Private Bag 201, Luwinga, Mzuzu, Malawi
کلید واژه: Conservation Agriculture, Lead Farmers, Follower Farmers, Malawi,
چکیده مقاله :
This study explores the attitude of follower farmers (FFs) towards lead farmers (LFs) in facilitating Conservation Agriculture (CA) practices in the Kalira Extension Planning Area of Ntchisi district, Malawi. Despite governmental efforts to promote CA through the National Agriculture Policy of 2016, previous studies have indicated low adoption rates. This research employs a mixed methods approach, utilizing surveys and focus group discussions. Results reveal positive perceptions among FFs regarding LFs' competence in training, demonstrations, problem-solving, and other competencies. The majority of FFs perceive LFs as effective in imparting CA principles and conducting demonstrations. LFs' problem-solving abilities and additional competencies are well-regarded by FFs. The study concludes with a call for further research on socio-economic factors influencing sustained CA adoption and recommends establishing a continuous feedback loop between LFs and FFs to enhance knowledge exchange and address evolving challenges in CA practices. The findings contribute to the existing literature and provide valuable insights for agricultural and rural development initiatives.
This study explores the attitude of follower farmers (FFs) towards lead farmers (LFs) in facilitating Conservation Agriculture (CA) practices in the Kalira Extension Planning Area of Ntchisi district, Malawi. Despite governmental efforts to promote CA through the National Agriculture Policy of 2016, previous studies have indicated low adoption rates. This research employs a mixed methods approach, utilizing surveys and focus group discussions. Results reveal positive perceptions among FFs regarding LFs' competence in training, demonstrations, problem-solving, and other competencies. The majority of FFs perceive LFs as effective in imparting CA principles and conducting demonstrations. LFs' problem-solving abilities and additional competencies are well-regarded by FFs. The study concludes with a call for further research on socio-economic factors influencing sustained CA adoption and recommends establishing a continuous feedback loop between LFs and FFs to enhance knowledge exchange and address evolving challenges in CA practices. The findings contribute to the existing literature and provide valuable insights for agricultural and rural development initiatives.
1. Bhatti, M. A., Godfrey, S. S., Ip, R. H. L., Kachiwala, C., Hovdhaugen, H., Banda, L. J., Limuwa, M., Wynn, P. C., Ådnøy, T., & Eik, L. O. (2021). Diversity of Sources of Income for Smallholder Farming Communities in Malawi: Importance for Improved Livelihood. Sustainability, 13(17), 9599. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13179599
2. Bisangwa, E. (2013) ‘The Influence of Conservation Agriculture Adoption on Input Demand and Maize Production in Butha Buthe’, Master’s thesis, University of Tennessee, Lesotho.
3. Chabata, I. & de Wolf, J. (2012) 'The Lead Farmer Approach: An effective way of agricultural technology dissemination?', International Centre Tropical Agriculture. Available at: https://www.cgiar.ciat.org
4. Chinseu, E. L., Dougill, A. J., & Stringer, L. C. (2022). Strengthening Conservation Agriculture innovation systems in sub-Saharan Africa: lessons from a stakeholder analysis. International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability, 20(1), 17-30. https://doi.org/10.1080/14735903.2021.1911511
5. Chirwa, E. W., Kumwenda, I., Jumbe C., Chilonda, P., & Minde I. (2008). Agricultural growth and poverty reduction in Malawi: past performance and recent trends. Regional Strategic Analysis and Knowledge Support System. (ReSAKSS) Working Paper No. 8. International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), 41. Available at: http://www.sa.resakss.org
6. Chisenga, C. (2015) ‘Socio-economic Factors Associated with the Adoption of Conservation Agriculture among Women Farmers in Balaka District, Malawi’, Master’s thesis, Purdue University, West Lafayette.
7. Finca, A., Linnane, S., Slinger, J., Getty, D., & IgshaanSamuels, M. (2023). Implications of the breakdown in the indigenous knowledge system for rangeland management and policy: a case study from the Eastern Cape in South Africa. African Journal of Range & Forage Science, 40(1), 47-61. https://doi.org/10.2989/10220119.2022.2138973
8. Fisher, M., Holden, S. T., Thierfelder, C., & Katengeza, S. P. (2018). Awareness and adoption of conservation agriculture in Malawi: what difference can farmer-to-farmer extension make? International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability, 16(3), 310-325. https://doi.org/10.1080/14735903.2018.1472411
9. Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations. (2019). Conservation Agriculture Training guide for extension agents and farmers in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Rome, Italy: FAO.
10. Franzel, S., Degrande, A. Kiptot, E., Kirui, J., Kugonza, J., Preissing, J., & Simpson, B. (2015) 'Farmer-to-Farmer Extension', Note 7, GFRAS Good Practice Notes for Extension and Advisory Services. GFRAS: Lindau, Switzerland, 1–56.
11. Gadzirayi, C. T., Mafuse, N., & Munyati, V. (2014). Enhancing Farmer Productive Capacity: Case of Action Research Based Conservation Agriculture. International Journal of Agricultural Science, Research and Technology in Extension and Education Systems, 4(2), 93-97.
12. Government of Malawi, (2015) Lead Farmer Extension and Training Guide on Sustainable Agriculture, 1st edition, Lilongwe, Malawi: Department of Agriculture Extension Services, 1–35.
13. Hermans, T. D. G., Whitfield, S., Dougill, A. J., & Thierfelder, C. (2021). Why we should rethink ‘adoption’ in agricultural innovation: Empirical insights from Malawi. Land Degradation & Development, 32(4), 1809-1820. https://doi.org/10.1002/ldr.3833
14. Hermans, T. D. G., Whitfield, S., Dougill, A. J., & Thierfelder, C. (2021). Why we should rethink ‘adoption’ in agricultural innovation: Empirical insights from Malawi. Land Degradation & Development, 32(4), 1809-1820. https://doi.org/10.1002/ldr.3833
15. Kahsay, G. A., Bulte, E., Alpizar, F., Hansen, L. G., & Medhin, H. (2023). Leadership accountability in community-based forest management: experimental evidence in support of governmental oversight. Ecology and Society, 28(4), 20. https://doi.org/10.5751/ES-14469-280420
16. Karuhanga, M., Kiptot, E., & Franzel, S. (2012). The effectiveness of the farmer trainers’ approach in technology dissemination in the East African dairy development project in Uganda: A study of volunteer farmer trainers. Uganda: University of Uganda.
17. Khaila, S., Tchuwa, F., Franzel, S., & Simpson, S. (2015). The Farmer-to-Farmer Extension Approach in Malawi: A Survey of Lead Farmers. Nairobi. World Agroforestry Centre, 1–17.
18. Khan, A., Pervaiz, U., Khan, N.M., Ahmad, S., & Nigar, S. (2009) ‘Effectiveness of demonstration plots as extension method adopted by AKRSP for agricultural technology dissemination in District Chitral’. Sarhad Journal of Agriculture, 25(2), 313–319.
19. MacMillan, A. (2012) Agricultural investment projects: design problems and possible cures. Project Appraisal, 6(2), 75–83.
20. Nakano, Y., Tsusaka, T. W., Aida, T., & Pede, V. O. (2018). Is farmer-to-farmer extension effective? The impact of training on technology adoption and rice farming productivity in Tanzania. World Development, 105, 23–37.
21. Ntshangase, N.L., Muroyiwa, B., and Sibanda, M. (2018) Farmers’ Perceptions and Factors Influencing Adoption of No-Till Conservation Agriculture by Small-Scale Farmers in Zashuke, Kwazulu-Natal Province. Sustainability (Basel), 10(555), 1–16.
22. Obazi, S. A., Dimelu, M. U., & Chukwueze, M. (2022). Access and Usefulness of Agricultural Information among Poultry Farmers. International Journal of Agricultural Science, Research and Technology in Extension and Education Systems (IJASRT in EESs), 12(2), 65-74. Retrieved from http://ijasrt.iau-shoushtar.ac.ir
23. Okori, P., Munthali, W., Msere, H. (2022). Improving efficiency of knowledge and technology diffusion using community seed banks and farmer-to-farmer extension: experiences from Malawi. Agriculture & Food Security, 11(1), 38. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40066-022-00375-4
24. Osumba, J. J. L., Recha, J. W., & Oroma, G. W. (2021). Transforming Agricultural Extension Service Delivery through Innovative Bottom–Up Climate-Resilient Agribusiness Farmer Field Schools. Sustainability, 13(7), 3938. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13073938
25. Oyelami, B., Akinwale, J., & Ladele, A. (2018). Lead farmer extension approach and sustainable extension service delivery in Oyo State, Nigeria. Contemporary Agriculture, 233. https://doi.org/10.1515/contagri-2018-0034
26. Ragasa, C. (2020). Effectiveness of the lead farmer approach in agricultural extension service provision: Nationally representative panel data analysis in Malawi. Land Use Policy, 99, 104966. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landusepol.2020.104966
27. Taylor, M., & Bhasme, S. (2018) Model farmer's extension networks and the politics of agricultural knowledge transfer. Elsevier Ltd, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrurstud.2018.09.015. [Accessed on 30/12/2021].
28. Thobejane, M. K. (2022). The Impact of Empowering Women Farmers Towards Sustainable Agriculture in the Gauteng Province of South Africa (Doctoral dissertation). University of Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa. Department of Sustainable Food System and Development, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.
29. Ward, P. S., Bell, A. R., Droppelmann, K., & Benton, T. G. (2018). Early adoption of conservation agriculture practices: understanding partial compliance in programs with multiple adoption decisions. Land Use Policy, 70, 27–37.
30. Yamane, T. (1967) Statistics: An Introductory Analysis. 2nd Edition, Harper and Row, New York.
