Effects of Agricultural Extension Services Delivery on Rice Productivity in Liberia: A case of Foya District

Abstract

This study sought to assess the effects of agricultural extension service delivery on rice productivity among farmers in Liberia. A cross-sectional research design was employed to assess the effects of extension service delivery on rice productivity. Krejcie and Morgan’s table was used to choose 352 smallholder farmers, and simple random sampling technique was adopted to select the respondents. Questionnaires, key informants interview guide and focus group discussion guide were used to collect primary data from stakeholders and farmers from seven villages of Foya District. Major challenges, which affected service delivery were use of wrong communication channels, poor conditions of farm-to-market roads, limited education levels among farmers, and limited access to mobility and inadequate institutional support for extension workers. Supporting the creation of farmers’ cooperatives, improving farm-to-market roads, strengthening the capacity of extension workers through regular refresher training and the provision of extension tools/equipment including mobility were the major government strategies toward enhancing extension service delivery. Use of appropriate communication channels, provision of needs-based training programs for farmers and integration of local language were key strategies for extension workers. Recommended farmers’ strategies included joining farmers’ cooperatives by individual farmers, maintaining technical experts within farmers’ cooperatives, and regular training of all farmers. The study recommends that the government and partners should support the implementation of the above-mentioned strategies, which will increase extension services delivery that will increase rice productivity. Key words: climate change, good agricultural practices, farmers’ cooperatives, sustainable agriculture