South African Journal of Agricultural Extension, 2012
Biodiversity conservation, particularly on communal and rural farmlands, is still of a great conc... more Biodiversity conservation, particularly on communal and rural farmlands, is still of a great concern in South Africa. This worry is further worsened with the different threats, ranging from deforestation and habitat fragmentation, encroachment, pollution, invasion of alien species, wild fires, logging, to hunting that communities pose to biodiversities on their lands. Agriculture emerges the greatest factor posing the most threats to biodiversity. Using this framework of interconnectedness between biodiversity and agriculture, this paper presents a philosophical argument exploring the role that agricultural extension can play to realise the goals of biodiversity conservation on South African communal and farm lands. Drawing on relevant published works, this paper argues that extension is particularly well positioned to address biodiversity conservation concern through the instruments of social mobilization, education, indigenous knowledge facilitation, linkages and ongoing advisory ...
The Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension, 2014
ABSTRACT Purpose: This study investigates student perceptions of different aspects of Agricultura... more ABSTRACT Purpose: This study investigates student perceptions of different aspects of Agricultural Education and Training (AET) programme processes that have been offered in secondary schools by the formal educational sector in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The study seeks to identify the existing shortcomings in the implementation of the agricultural education curriculum by gathering important information considering three different types of agricultural science schools. The intention of this study is to inform education policy-makers, programme organizers and teachers at all levels and thereby assist them in the identification of those areas in which improvements can be made.
The Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension, 2006
... UNDP (2001) Second Country Cooperation Framework for the Syrian Arab Republic (20022006) Exe... more ... UNDP (2001) Second Country Cooperation Framework for the Syrian Arab Republic (20022006) Executive Board of the United Nations Development ... Extension thinking is often captured in theAKIS (Agricultural Knowledge and Information Systems) model as set out in Figure ...
South African Journal of Agricultural Extension, 2017
South Africa will require the establishment of a formal inclusive policy on sustainable agricultu... more South Africa will require the establishment of a formal inclusive policy on sustainable agricultural practices. This will not only assist the country in avoiding further exploitation of the natural environment, but will also position agricultural extension in promoting the five pillars of sustainable agriculture. A comprehensive review using conceptual reflection presented in this paper confirms that most of the sustainable aspects are covered in both the white paper in sustainable agriculture and policy on agriculture in sustainable development. The existing documents, legislation, and policies available should be integrated into a working document that promotes sustainable agricultural practices. Thus, this paper provides a philosophical comparison between South Africa’s policy on agriculture in sustainable development and its white paper on agriculture. The review found that these two key South African agricultural policies are closely related in terms of the five pillars of sust...
South African Journal of Agricultural Extension (SAJAE), 2016
This paper draw on relevant published (review) papers to argue that extension is well positioned ... more This paper draw on relevant published (review) papers to argue that extension is well positioned to promote sustainable agriculture through five pillars of sustainability. Agriculture is not only greatly influenced by the environment in which it operates, but in recent decades it has become increasingly apparent that some modern farming practices may harm the natural environment. In fact in most countries of the Southern Africa, severe environmental problems are direct results of modern farming practices. As a result of the ever growing human population in South Africa, farmers are forced to resort to farming practices that will increase productivity, but compromising the natural environment, in order to ensure food security. Thus the need for establishing frameworks, methods and processes that support viable and attractive sustainable agriculture is imperative. This is particularly true in South Africa's context with its primacy on transforming the agricultural sector where, in the efforts to redress issues of the past, it runs the danger of replicating the inefficient, unsustainable practices of that same past. Ultimately, this has significant implications for South African agricultural extension, which need to be able to help the nation balance the increasing and often conflicting demand for more efficient production, greater inclusion of marginalised smallholder farmers, and creating wealth in impoverished rural communities. The paper concludes by presenting some philosophical recommendations that agricultural extension can utilize in promoting sustainable agriculture.
South African Journal of Agricultural Extension (SAJAE)
The study investigated smallholder sugarcane farmers and extension officers' perceptions of readi... more The study investigated smallholder sugarcane farmers and extension officers' perceptions of readiness towards the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), especially cell phones, as a source of technology for accessing information within the Swaziland sugar industry. The study was a census involving all active smallholder sugarcane farmers in Swaziland (N=172) and their extension officers (N=17). Quantitative data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a valid and reliable structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were applied to analyse the data. The results revealed that sugarcane farmers and extension officers perceive the Swaziland sugar industry to be ready for the introduction and subsequent use of ICTs to access sugarcane production information. The sugar industry infrastructure and other facilities that are necessary for the use of cell phones were perceived to be ready. All respondents possessed cell phones which they personally owned. The entire sugar industry had access to cellular network and electricity. It was also shown that some demographic variables of respondents did have an influence on their perceptions regarding the industry's readiness towards the use of cell phones to access information. The results of this study can provide guidance to the government and the sugar industry of Swaziland when considering implementing improved information dissemination based programmes.
Background: Food and nutrition insecurity continue to affect societies in both developed and deve... more Background: Food and nutrition insecurity continue to affect societies in both developed and developing countries even in years of bounty harvest. This confirms that availability of food does not automatically translate to food and nutrition security (FNS). Even when food is available it may not be accessible to everyone who needs it, and sometimes available and accessible food may not provide all the nutrients required to nourish the body to develop, grow, resist diseases, and meet ordinary physiological demands. Sometimes, food is plenty and accessible but not acceptable or sustainable. All such instances constitute potential food and (especially) nutrition insecurity. Objective: We intend to establish a theoretical framework for investigating food and nutrition security. Method: This is a theoretical paper drawing on previous publications within the scope of food security and nutrition security. Results: The review found that it is imperative to consider carefully the definition ...
South African Journal of Agricultural Extension (SAJAE)
Agricultural extension can be defined as the entire set of organisations that support and facilit... more Agricultural extension can be defined as the entire set of organisations that support and facilitate people engaged in agricultural production to solve problems and to obtain information, skills and technologies to improve their livelihoods and well-being. Extension officials should ensure that farmers are engaged and capacitated so that they can make production decisions that are not in conflict with nature, yet such decisions ensure that their well-being is improved. With 75% of the world's poor living in rural areas, the topic of improved agriculture through agricultural extension is viewed as central to poverty reduction. There have been questions posed by stakeholders (communities, policy-makers and politicians) about the non-visibility and accountability of agricultural extension in the communities that it is supposed to help. There are however a number of factors (perceived or real) that make agricultural extension less or not visible nor accountable. Therefore, this paper investigates and proposes a theoretical framework or model to ensure that agricultural extension is visible and accountable to all stakeholders. This will in turn ensure that there are noticeable increases or improvement of the lives of the resource poor farmers and communities.
South African Journal of Agricultural Extension (SAJAE)
As part of a larger study encompassing sub-Saharan Africa, this paper, the second in a sequence o... more As part of a larger study encompassing sub-Saharan Africa, this paper, the second in a sequence of papers, focuses on West Africa. National extension policies of the regionexplicit or impliedwere evaluated by means of a framework published by the FAO to guide extension policy formulation. Of its nine components three anchor the frameworkmission and goals, approach and functions, and clientelesand were used in this appraisal. Unexpectedly, the study found that only one country of the 17 nations constituting West Africa has a legislated (i.e. formally adopted) national extension policy. Implied policies were, therefore, garnered, where feasible, for the rest via government publications (e.g. agricultural project reports) and published researched studies from academic and recognised developmental institutions. Broadly, the assessment observed that West African extension missions and goals focussed on improving profitability of agricultural business and increasing output volumes and market share and achieving objectives such as enhancing quality of life and agricultural development. In terms of approaches and functions, the study found that public sector extension in West Africa is undergoing transformation including decentralization and outsourcing extension services in the context of adopting a pluralistic system of extension delivery. While up to six models of extension are a commonly applied in the region, the dominant context is pluralism encompassing public, private and NGO-based services. The dominant clientele were stated to be women and small-and medium-scale farmers. However, entrenched barriers limiting women's participation are still insufficiently addressed. The study concludes that it is vital for West African governments, perhaps cooperatively, to develop and establish formal extension policies that will manifest their vision, mission, goals and methods to provide a stable framework within which targeted clientele and be purposively supported in the pursuit of sustainable agricultural development.
South African Journal of Agricultural Extension (SAJAE), 2016
Extension practitioners, as visible face of the discipline, carry the brunt of the criticism by t... more Extension practitioners, as visible face of the discipline, carry the brunt of the criticism by the public, at all levels for none visibility and accountability. The study was conducted to assess the stakeholder perceptions on visibility and accountability of the state extension services. Three sets of key stakeholders (over 290 individuals) with interest in agricultural development ware sampled to participate in the study. These stakeholders' were traditional councils (n=9), Elected community leaders (n=34) and community care givers (n=23). A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Forty-one questions grouped into three themes (visibility of extension services, accountability of extension and knowing of state agricultural programmes) were collected, analysed and processed. The result showed that all three stakeholders regard extension services in Nquthu as highly visible (78.8%), as extension officers are known, their interventions visible in the communities. The results also indicated that extension service is accountable as 81.5% of community leaders confirmed. Participants also indicated the high knowledge (76%) of major state programmes available to assist them to improve their lives. The result of Chi-Square analysis showed some significant differences on elected and proportional leaders on all themes. The study concluded that the state extension service is highly visible and accountable to the key stakeholders it serves.
Http Dx Doi Org 10 1080 03768350601021939, May 8, 2007
This study analysed factors influencing smallholders' market participation, using... more This study analysed factors influencing smallholders' market participation, using wealth-ranking factors. Two hypotheses were tested: that (1) wealth status and (2) wealth-ranking factors are positively related to market participation. Significant and positive relationships were found between wealth-ranking factors (labour, number of livestock, implements, bicycles, food availability, area of land cultivated and crops sold) and wealth status. Wealth status and wealth-ranking
A series of studies were conducted, over a 10-year period (1998–2008), in KwaZulu-Natal, one of t... more A series of studies were conducted, over a 10-year period (1998–2008), in KwaZulu-Natal, one of the poorest provinces in South Africa, involving on-farm research and extension and small-scale goat farmers. Initially, two farmers in the Impendle region participated, followed by nine farmers in Bulwer and latterly, 15 farmers in Bergville. The general aim was to develop an appropriate approach to
... Sciences, School of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Piet... more ... Sciences, School of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg. ... for smallholders to point to exogenous household constraints on agricultural market participation, such as lack of buyers, lack of extension services, lack of or ...
Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology
This paper aims at investigating barrier to sugarcane production information access via ICT among... more This paper aims at investigating barrier to sugarcane production information access via ICT among the Swaziland sugar industry stakeholders as perceived by extension officers and smallholder sugarcane farmers. The study was a census involving all active smallholder sugarcane farmers (N=172) in Swaziland and their extension officers (N=17). Quantitative data were collected through personal interviews using a valid and reliable structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were applied to analyse the data using SPSS version 20 statistical software. The results of the study revealed that sugarcane farmers do not perceive any of the barriers to be a hindrance to information access via ICT. However, extension officers differed regarding some of these barriers. The study also revealed that gender, educational level and
Food insecurity is still a great concern for many households in South Africa. This situation is c... more Food insecurity is still a great concern for many households in South Africa. This situation is connected to the high level of poverty that exists in the country, particularly in rural areas. Rural households use five key pathways to address their food insecurity and poverty: an agricultural path; a multiple-activity path; an assistance path; a micro-enterprise path and an exit path. Using this framework of pathways, this paper presents a philosophical argument exploring the role agricultural extension can play to realise the goals of food security and poverty alleviation in South African rural households. Drawing on relevant published works, this paper argues that extension is particularly well positioned to address food insecurity and poverty through the instruments of technology transfer and innovation, human capital development, social capital development and increasing market access. These instruments were found capable of influencing the full range of pathways when applied thr...
South African Journal of Agricultural Extension, 2012
Biodiversity conservation, particularly on communal and rural farmlands, is still of a great conc... more Biodiversity conservation, particularly on communal and rural farmlands, is still of a great concern in South Africa. This worry is further worsened with the different threats, ranging from deforestation and habitat fragmentation, encroachment, pollution, invasion of alien species, wild fires, logging, to hunting that communities pose to biodiversities on their lands. Agriculture emerges the greatest factor posing the most threats to biodiversity. Using this framework of interconnectedness between biodiversity and agriculture, this paper presents a philosophical argument exploring the role that agricultural extension can play to realise the goals of biodiversity conservation on South African communal and farm lands. Drawing on relevant published works, this paper argues that extension is particularly well positioned to address biodiversity conservation concern through the instruments of social mobilization, education, indigenous knowledge facilitation, linkages and ongoing advisory ...
The Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension, 2014
ABSTRACT Purpose: This study investigates student perceptions of different aspects of Agricultura... more ABSTRACT Purpose: This study investigates student perceptions of different aspects of Agricultural Education and Training (AET) programme processes that have been offered in secondary schools by the formal educational sector in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The study seeks to identify the existing shortcomings in the implementation of the agricultural education curriculum by gathering important information considering three different types of agricultural science schools. The intention of this study is to inform education policy-makers, programme organizers and teachers at all levels and thereby assist them in the identification of those areas in which improvements can be made.
The Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension, 2006
... UNDP (2001) Second Country Cooperation Framework for the Syrian Arab Republic (20022006) Exe... more ... UNDP (2001) Second Country Cooperation Framework for the Syrian Arab Republic (20022006) Executive Board of the United Nations Development ... Extension thinking is often captured in theAKIS (Agricultural Knowledge and Information Systems) model as set out in Figure ...
South African Journal of Agricultural Extension, 2017
South Africa will require the establishment of a formal inclusive policy on sustainable agricultu... more South Africa will require the establishment of a formal inclusive policy on sustainable agricultural practices. This will not only assist the country in avoiding further exploitation of the natural environment, but will also position agricultural extension in promoting the five pillars of sustainable agriculture. A comprehensive review using conceptual reflection presented in this paper confirms that most of the sustainable aspects are covered in both the white paper in sustainable agriculture and policy on agriculture in sustainable development. The existing documents, legislation, and policies available should be integrated into a working document that promotes sustainable agricultural practices. Thus, this paper provides a philosophical comparison between South Africa’s policy on agriculture in sustainable development and its white paper on agriculture. The review found that these two key South African agricultural policies are closely related in terms of the five pillars of sust...
South African Journal of Agricultural Extension (SAJAE), 2016
This paper draw on relevant published (review) papers to argue that extension is well positioned ... more This paper draw on relevant published (review) papers to argue that extension is well positioned to promote sustainable agriculture through five pillars of sustainability. Agriculture is not only greatly influenced by the environment in which it operates, but in recent decades it has become increasingly apparent that some modern farming practices may harm the natural environment. In fact in most countries of the Southern Africa, severe environmental problems are direct results of modern farming practices. As a result of the ever growing human population in South Africa, farmers are forced to resort to farming practices that will increase productivity, but compromising the natural environment, in order to ensure food security. Thus the need for establishing frameworks, methods and processes that support viable and attractive sustainable agriculture is imperative. This is particularly true in South Africa's context with its primacy on transforming the agricultural sector where, in the efforts to redress issues of the past, it runs the danger of replicating the inefficient, unsustainable practices of that same past. Ultimately, this has significant implications for South African agricultural extension, which need to be able to help the nation balance the increasing and often conflicting demand for more efficient production, greater inclusion of marginalised smallholder farmers, and creating wealth in impoverished rural communities. The paper concludes by presenting some philosophical recommendations that agricultural extension can utilize in promoting sustainable agriculture.
South African Journal of Agricultural Extension (SAJAE)
The study investigated smallholder sugarcane farmers and extension officers' perceptions of readi... more The study investigated smallholder sugarcane farmers and extension officers' perceptions of readiness towards the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), especially cell phones, as a source of technology for accessing information within the Swaziland sugar industry. The study was a census involving all active smallholder sugarcane farmers in Swaziland (N=172) and their extension officers (N=17). Quantitative data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a valid and reliable structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were applied to analyse the data. The results revealed that sugarcane farmers and extension officers perceive the Swaziland sugar industry to be ready for the introduction and subsequent use of ICTs to access sugarcane production information. The sugar industry infrastructure and other facilities that are necessary for the use of cell phones were perceived to be ready. All respondents possessed cell phones which they personally owned. The entire sugar industry had access to cellular network and electricity. It was also shown that some demographic variables of respondents did have an influence on their perceptions regarding the industry's readiness towards the use of cell phones to access information. The results of this study can provide guidance to the government and the sugar industry of Swaziland when considering implementing improved information dissemination based programmes.
Background: Food and nutrition insecurity continue to affect societies in both developed and deve... more Background: Food and nutrition insecurity continue to affect societies in both developed and developing countries even in years of bounty harvest. This confirms that availability of food does not automatically translate to food and nutrition security (FNS). Even when food is available it may not be accessible to everyone who needs it, and sometimes available and accessible food may not provide all the nutrients required to nourish the body to develop, grow, resist diseases, and meet ordinary physiological demands. Sometimes, food is plenty and accessible but not acceptable or sustainable. All such instances constitute potential food and (especially) nutrition insecurity. Objective: We intend to establish a theoretical framework for investigating food and nutrition security. Method: This is a theoretical paper drawing on previous publications within the scope of food security and nutrition security. Results: The review found that it is imperative to consider carefully the definition ...
South African Journal of Agricultural Extension (SAJAE)
Agricultural extension can be defined as the entire set of organisations that support and facilit... more Agricultural extension can be defined as the entire set of organisations that support and facilitate people engaged in agricultural production to solve problems and to obtain information, skills and technologies to improve their livelihoods and well-being. Extension officials should ensure that farmers are engaged and capacitated so that they can make production decisions that are not in conflict with nature, yet such decisions ensure that their well-being is improved. With 75% of the world's poor living in rural areas, the topic of improved agriculture through agricultural extension is viewed as central to poverty reduction. There have been questions posed by stakeholders (communities, policy-makers and politicians) about the non-visibility and accountability of agricultural extension in the communities that it is supposed to help. There are however a number of factors (perceived or real) that make agricultural extension less or not visible nor accountable. Therefore, this paper investigates and proposes a theoretical framework or model to ensure that agricultural extension is visible and accountable to all stakeholders. This will in turn ensure that there are noticeable increases or improvement of the lives of the resource poor farmers and communities.
South African Journal of Agricultural Extension (SAJAE)
As part of a larger study encompassing sub-Saharan Africa, this paper, the second in a sequence o... more As part of a larger study encompassing sub-Saharan Africa, this paper, the second in a sequence of papers, focuses on West Africa. National extension policies of the regionexplicit or impliedwere evaluated by means of a framework published by the FAO to guide extension policy formulation. Of its nine components three anchor the frameworkmission and goals, approach and functions, and clientelesand were used in this appraisal. Unexpectedly, the study found that only one country of the 17 nations constituting West Africa has a legislated (i.e. formally adopted) national extension policy. Implied policies were, therefore, garnered, where feasible, for the rest via government publications (e.g. agricultural project reports) and published researched studies from academic and recognised developmental institutions. Broadly, the assessment observed that West African extension missions and goals focussed on improving profitability of agricultural business and increasing output volumes and market share and achieving objectives such as enhancing quality of life and agricultural development. In terms of approaches and functions, the study found that public sector extension in West Africa is undergoing transformation including decentralization and outsourcing extension services in the context of adopting a pluralistic system of extension delivery. While up to six models of extension are a commonly applied in the region, the dominant context is pluralism encompassing public, private and NGO-based services. The dominant clientele were stated to be women and small-and medium-scale farmers. However, entrenched barriers limiting women's participation are still insufficiently addressed. The study concludes that it is vital for West African governments, perhaps cooperatively, to develop and establish formal extension policies that will manifest their vision, mission, goals and methods to provide a stable framework within which targeted clientele and be purposively supported in the pursuit of sustainable agricultural development.
South African Journal of Agricultural Extension (SAJAE), 2016
Extension practitioners, as visible face of the discipline, carry the brunt of the criticism by t... more Extension practitioners, as visible face of the discipline, carry the brunt of the criticism by the public, at all levels for none visibility and accountability. The study was conducted to assess the stakeholder perceptions on visibility and accountability of the state extension services. Three sets of key stakeholders (over 290 individuals) with interest in agricultural development ware sampled to participate in the study. These stakeholders' were traditional councils (n=9), Elected community leaders (n=34) and community care givers (n=23). A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Forty-one questions grouped into three themes (visibility of extension services, accountability of extension and knowing of state agricultural programmes) were collected, analysed and processed. The result showed that all three stakeholders regard extension services in Nquthu as highly visible (78.8%), as extension officers are known, their interventions visible in the communities. The results also indicated that extension service is accountable as 81.5% of community leaders confirmed. Participants also indicated the high knowledge (76%) of major state programmes available to assist them to improve their lives. The result of Chi-Square analysis showed some significant differences on elected and proportional leaders on all themes. The study concluded that the state extension service is highly visible and accountable to the key stakeholders it serves.
Http Dx Doi Org 10 1080 03768350601021939, May 8, 2007
This study analysed factors influencing smallholders' market participation, using... more This study analysed factors influencing smallholders' market participation, using wealth-ranking factors. Two hypotheses were tested: that (1) wealth status and (2) wealth-ranking factors are positively related to market participation. Significant and positive relationships were found between wealth-ranking factors (labour, number of livestock, implements, bicycles, food availability, area of land cultivated and crops sold) and wealth status. Wealth status and wealth-ranking
A series of studies were conducted, over a 10-year period (1998–2008), in KwaZulu-Natal, one of t... more A series of studies were conducted, over a 10-year period (1998–2008), in KwaZulu-Natal, one of the poorest provinces in South Africa, involving on-farm research and extension and small-scale goat farmers. Initially, two farmers in the Impendle region participated, followed by nine farmers in Bulwer and latterly, 15 farmers in Bergville. The general aim was to develop an appropriate approach to
... Sciences, School of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Piet... more ... Sciences, School of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg. ... for smallholders to point to exogenous household constraints on agricultural market participation, such as lack of buyers, lack of extension services, lack of or ...
Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology
This paper aims at investigating barrier to sugarcane production information access via ICT among... more This paper aims at investigating barrier to sugarcane production information access via ICT among the Swaziland sugar industry stakeholders as perceived by extension officers and smallholder sugarcane farmers. The study was a census involving all active smallholder sugarcane farmers (N=172) in Swaziland and their extension officers (N=17). Quantitative data were collected through personal interviews using a valid and reliable structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were applied to analyse the data using SPSS version 20 statistical software. The results of the study revealed that sugarcane farmers do not perceive any of the barriers to be a hindrance to information access via ICT. However, extension officers differed regarding some of these barriers. The study also revealed that gender, educational level and
Food insecurity is still a great concern for many households in South Africa. This situation is c... more Food insecurity is still a great concern for many households in South Africa. This situation is connected to the high level of poverty that exists in the country, particularly in rural areas. Rural households use five key pathways to address their food insecurity and poverty: an agricultural path; a multiple-activity path; an assistance path; a micro-enterprise path and an exit path. Using this framework of pathways, this paper presents a philosophical argument exploring the role agricultural extension can play to realise the goals of food security and poverty alleviation in South African rural households. Drawing on relevant published works, this paper argues that extension is particularly well positioned to address food insecurity and poverty through the instruments of technology transfer and innovation, human capital development, social capital development and increasing market access. These instruments were found capable of influencing the full range of pathways when applied thr...
Uploads
Papers by Steven Worth