In Search of an Alternative Agricultural Extension Strategy: An Action Research on Off-season Vegetable Production in Nepal

Abstract

Agricultural extension services in Nepal are in serious need of revival. An extension approach that brings agricultural stakeholders together and fosters co-learning among them is paramount for agricultural development. This study, conducted in 2013 in Hamsapur, Nepal, aims to assess the current agricultural extension services and search for an alternative extension strategy for speedy agricultural development. Specifically, the study seeks to examine the current agricultural production patterns; assess farmers’ perceptions of the participatory action research (PAR) approach; and identify barriers for adoption of new agricultural technologies by farmers. Personal interviews and observations were employed for collecting qualitative and quantitative data. Ninety-two farmers participated in the study. Farmers, including women and youths, found off-season tomato production beneficial to them. Marketing of vegetables and lack of irrigation, education and knowledge are problems facing farmers. Farmers are optimistic about increasing farm productivity by adopting new and improved technologies. The PAR approach appears to be effective in helping smallholders when non-governmental organizations, farmers and educational institutions work together. Agricultural programs would likely succeed if there were provision of input such as seeds, fertilizers and farmer-to-farmer extension, and if technologies were market-driven and compatible with target communities.

Untitled

“…Moreover, following the adoption of the federal system, agricultural extension services have been decentralized, placing more authority in the hands of the local level. Nonetheless, there is still a need for effective implementation of the agricultural extension system at the grassroots level (Suvedi & Ghimire, 2015). The political revolution has far-reaching effects on various sectors across countries.…”

Teaching, Research, and Extension as an Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science Function-Legal and Structural Overview

“…According to the current staffing situation at these schools, highly qualified and experienced professors and researchers leave the higher education system to work for the business sector, nongovernmental organizations, foreign universities/research centers, or NGOs. This issue is thought to have a number of root reasons, such as underpaying employees in comparison to commercial and non-governmental businesses, uncompetitive employment terms, subpar social services, and a lack of recognition for excellent research and teaching (Suvedi & Ghimire, 2015).…”

Professional Competence of Extension Personnel in Karnataka State of India

“…Specifically, they are demanding services such as quality seeds, timely supply of inputs such as fertilizer, credit to buy needed inputs, and access to market information and services. These challenges put pressure on extension professionals to be more knowledgeable, skillful, and able, not only in technical subject matter but also in process skills (Suvedi, 2015). David McClelland proposed the concept of competency for the first time in the 1970s, challenging traditional assessment criteria that emphasized intelligence evaluation in the higher education system.…”