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Human Resource Development in Agriculture Extension and Advisory Services in Kenya

Author

Listed:
  • Lopokoiyit, M. C.
  • Onyango, C.
  • Kibett, Joash K.
  • Langat, B.K.

Abstract

Agriculture extension and advisory services is a multidisciplinary discipline based on human interaction seeking to improve the livelihoods of farming communities and individuals by providing information and technologies. The training of extension staff is important as it has a bearing on their effectiveness in the office and in the field. This study sought to determine the HRD activities in agricultural extension and advisory services in the public and private sector. The study was done in 5 counties in Kenya and a total of 440 agricultural extension agents were sampled from the public and private extension service. HRD activities focused on formal and in-service training. 68 % of the respondents had attended formal education to improve their education with the majority 63.5 percent, having trained at the diploma level from certificate level while 21.1 % had undergone training at the degree level from diploma level. The main areas of specialization were Agricultural education (34.1 %), General agriculture (28.1 %) and Horticulture (11.7 %). The inclusion of non-agricultural areas of specialization such as Sustainable development and Strategic planning and management show the multidisciplinary nature of agriculture. Inservice courses attended were in the form of short courses, seminars, or workshops. These were clustered in five general areas; Crop Management, Management, Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Extension, and Animal Science. Most respondents (40.9 percent) had undergone training in Crop management which covered various crop enterprises from breeding to postharvest management. The shift of agricultural policy toward business orientation is reflected in 13.0 % the respondents specializing in Agricultural Economics. These HRD activities show commitment of agricultural extension providers to improve the competencies of their staff to deliver effective services to farmers. The wide range of formal and in-service courses attended also reflects the need to meet the management and technical requirements of a pluralistic and demand driven extension service.

Suggested Citation

  • Lopokoiyit, M. C. & Onyango, C. & Kibett, Joash K. & Langat, B.K., 2012. "Human Resource Development in Agriculture Extension and Advisory Services in Kenya," 2012 Eighth AFMA Congress, November 25-29, 2012, Nairobi, Kenya 159409, African Farm Management Association (AFMA).
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:afma12:159409
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.159409
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Saito, K.A. & Weidermann, C.J., 1990. "Agricultural Extension For Women Farmers In Africa," World Bank - Discussion Papers 103, World Bank.
    2. Hoag, Dana L., 2005. "Economic Principles for Saving the Cooperative Extension Service," Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Western Agricultural Economics Association, vol. 30(3), pages 1-15, December.
    3. Saito, Katrine A. & Weidemann, C. Jean, 1990. "Agricultural extension for women farmers in Africa," Policy Research Working Paper Series 398, The World Bank.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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