Journal of Extension Education

Cocoa Farmers’ Willingness to Pay for Improved Extension Services in Ghana

2024-05-24T09:20:53+00:00

Agricultural extension services play a pivotal role in enhancing the productivity, resilience, and
sustainability of farming systems, particularly for smallholder farmers. In Ghana, cocoa farming remains a vital economic activity, contributing significantly to livelihoods and national revenue. However, the effectiveness of extension service delivery has often been limited by inadequate resources, infrequent farm visits, and a lack of tailored support to address farmer-specific needs. As farmers increasingly face challenges, the demand for improved extension services has become more urgent. This study explores cocoa farmers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for improved extension services in Ghana. The research employed a cross-sectional survey design, selecting 394 respondents through the multi-stage sampling process. Majority of the farmers were willing to pay for improved extension services, thus, arrangement for the supply of inputs, financial literacy and farm management training, and access to high-quality, certified seeds. Factors influencing willingness to pay included age, household size, household headship, farm size, sex, farming experience, access to credit, and skilled labour. There is strong consensus on three critical features of an improved extension system: the frequency of farm visits, prompt response from extension agents, and availability of essential tools and equipment. For improved extension services, the Ghana Cocoa Board must design and promote financial mechanisms that facilitate farmers’ ability to pay for extension services through flexible payment options or subsidies for disadvantaged farmers.

Challenges and Constraints in Adopting Modern Horticulture Practices in Apple Orchards

2024-07-28T01:47:19+00:00

In many developing countries the adoption rate of new agricultural technology especially by small-scale farmers is low. The factors influencing farmers’ adoption of new technologies vary from specific circumstances to local conditions. The most essential aspect in the adoption of new tools and techniques is the farmer’s perception of these technologies which often remains unidentified. Using a mixed method approach, this study explored marginal and small-scale apple orchardists of rural Shimla in Himachal Pradesh, India for their perceptions, challenges, and limitations of adaptive capacity to modern horticulture practices. Via in-depth interviews, the growers shared multifaceted challenges and fears impeding their adoption decision, the most noticeable ones were - the high cost of horticulture inputs, unpredictable weather conditions, small orchard size, inadequate labour, insufficient knowledge on modern horticulture practices and lack of information from the government departments. Based on these interviews, a thematic analysis and a survey were conducted - broadly representing the common horticulture problems and factors restricting these orchardists from adopting new technologies.

Assessing the Satisfaction of Women Members of Cooperative Societies

2024-12-02T02:18:47+00:00

In Kerala, a constituent state of India, the expansion of agricultural and related cooperatives
indicates the general degree of contentment among its members. This study aims to analyse data from a primary survey among agricultural and milk cooperatives to elucidate the elements contributing to members’ satisfaction. Descriptive statistics indicate that most female members of the cooperatives have completed only a basic level of education, and furthermore, only a minority of them occupy important roles within these organizations. The estimated structural equation model depicts the dynamics of satisfaction in detail. According to the study, members’ participation in cooperative activities yields a variety of benefits, thereby increasing their overall satisfaction.

Factors Affecting Adoption of Recommended Rice Cultivation Practices by Farmers of South Kerala

2025-01-14T01:21:35+00:00

Rice is a fundamental staple crop and plays a significant role in agricultural production across
the southern part of Kerala, India. Implementing recommended rice cultivation practices is
essential for boosting yield, promoting sustainability, and enhancing the livelihoods of farmers.
However, even with the scientifically proven practices developed by Kerala Agricultural University
(KAU), the extent of adoption among farmers differs considerably. The present study was conducted in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam and Idukki districts to find out the factors affecting adoption of recommended rice cultivation practices by the farmers of South Kerala. A total of 105 respondents were selected from one panchayat of each of these seven districts. The extent of adoption of selected KAU technologies in rice varieties was found to be ‘medium’ among the majority of farmers. The results of the correlation analysis revealed that out of 11 independent variables selected for the study, three variables were positively and significantly related to the dependent variable adoption of recommended practices by rice farmers. The main factors that influence technology adoption of recommended practices were extension participation and achievement motivation followed by innovativeness.

Constraints Experienced by Women Entrepreneurs in Managing Poultry and Handicraft Enterprises

2024-10-28T01:03:02+00:00

A study was conducted with 150 women entrepreneurs managing poultry and handicraft enterprises in Tirupattur District of Tamil Nadu, India to identify the constraints they faced. The main production constraints experienced by the women entrepreneurs in poultry were high mortality rates, high costs of good-quality feed, and other inputs. The major marketing constraints they encountered were rumours about hormone injection and other alleged health hazards associated with consuming poultry meat and products. Similarly, the major constraints experienced by them in handicraft production were shortages of raw materials, lack of skilloriented training, and inadequate finance. The major marketing constraints the women entrepreneurs faced
were lack of transportation and price fluctuations. These insights can help address the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in these sectors.

An Empirical Analysis of Scientific Attitude among Undergraduate Students in Agricultural Sciences

2025-01-10T03:32:00+00:00

This study explored the determinants of scientific attitude among undergraduate agriculture students in Telangana State of India, analyzing their attitude levels and demographic influences. A sample of 250 B.Sc. Agriculture students from Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University was surveyed using random sampling. Factor analysis, normal probability curve, and inferential analysis revealed that most students exhibited a moderate scientific attitude, with significant differences based on gender, age, and parental occupation. Male students and those below 19 showed higher engagement, while students from government-employed families had the highest scores. Findings suggested the need for targeted educational strategies, including curiosity-driven learning, hands-on experiments, gender equity, early exposure, and infrastructure upgrades, to enhance scientific attitudes in agricultural education.

From the Editor's Desk

2025-02-26T01:36:21+00:00

This editorial (JEE , 35 (3)) deals with the need for extension interventions in urban agriculture.