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Assessment of the capacity, incentives, and performance of agricultural extension agents in western Democratic Republic of the Congo:

Author

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  • Ragasa, Catherine
  • Ulimwengu, John M.
  • Randriamamonjy, Josee
  • Badibanga, Thaddée

Abstract

This paper provides an in-depth review of the agricultural extension system of DRC including an analysis of its policies and legal framework, organization, and management; links to critical institutions; and capacity and incentive of different actors in the system. This review involved document analyses, interviews with key informants, and surveys of 107 extension organizations and 162 extension agents in 156 randomly selected villages in western DRC. This review suggests serious funding constraints, human resource management problems, no linkage and coordination within the extension system and with research and education systems, and a majority of underserved communities and farmers. This review also highlights a good opportunity given the huge human resources (more than 11,000 agents) deployed into the sectors and territories as part of the Ministry’s agricultural inspection system.

Suggested Citation

  • Ragasa, Catherine & Ulimwengu, John M. & Randriamamonjy, Josee & Badibanga, Thaddée, 2013. "Assessment of the capacity, incentives, and performance of agricultural extension agents in western Democratic Republic of the Congo:," IFPRI discussion papers 1283, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    • Handle: RePEc:fpr:ifprid:1283
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Alston, Julian M. & Wyatt, T. J. & Pardey, Philip G. & Marra, Michele C. & Chan-Kang, Connie, 2000. "A meta-analysis of rates of return to agricultural R & D: ex pede Herculem?," Research reports 113, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    2. Birner, Regina & Davis, Kristin & Pender, John & Nkonya, Ephraim & Anandajayasekeram, Pooniah & Ekboir, Javier M. & Mbabu, Adiel N. & Spielman, David J. & Horna, Daniela & Benin, Samuel & Kisamba-Muge, 2006. "From "best practice" to "best fit": a framework for designing and analyzing pluralistic agricultural advisory services," Research briefs 4, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    3. Jock R. Anderson, 2004. "Agricultural Extension: Good Intentions and Hard Realities," The World Bank Research Observer, World Bank, vol. 19(1), pages 41-60.
    4. Samuel Benin & Ephraim Nkonya & Geresom Okecho & Joseé Randriamamonjy & Edward Kato & Geofrey Lubade & Miriam Kyotalimye, 2011. "Returns to spending on agricultural extension: the case of the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) program of Uganda," Agricultural Economics, International Association of Agricultural Economists, vol. 42(2), pages 249-267, March.
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    7. Regina Birner & Heidi Wittmer, 2009. "Making Environmental Administration More Effective: A Contribution from New Institutional Economics," Springer Books, in: Volker Beckmann & Martina Padmanabhan (ed.), Institutions and Sustainability, chapter 8, pages 153-174, Springer.
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    Cited by:

    1. Nlemfu Mukoko, Jean Blaise, 2013. "Ralentissement de la croissance économique des principaux partenaires commerciaux et ses implications sur l’économie congolaise [Impact of slower economic growth in major trading partners on the Co," MPRA Paper 65089, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised Jun 2015.
    2. Wabenga Yango, James & Nlemfu Mukoko, J.Blaise, 2014. "Croissance agricole et options d’investissement pour la réduction de la pauvreté en R.D.CONGO : une analyse en équilibre général calculable [Agriculture Growth and Investments Options for Poverty r," MPRA Paper 64828, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 05 Jun 2015.

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    Keywords

    Agricultural extension services; Capacity building; Incentives; agricultural transformation; Reform; advisory service;
    All these keywords.

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