CHALLENGES OF EXTENSION SERVICE PROVISION THAT AFFECT FOOD PRODUCTION AND FOOD SECURITY IN KWANZA SUB COUNTY
Abstract
The main objective of devolution in Kenya is to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of public services. Agriculture was one of the sectors devolved to County Governments, emphasizing their critical role in ensuring food security and boosting the rural economy. Despite the availability of modern farming technologies, food security remains a significant challenge in Kenya, particularly in Trans Nzoia County. The effectiveness of devolution in delivering agricultural extension services and its influence on food security in Kwanza Sub County has not been adequately studied since the onset of devolution. This study focused specifically on identifying the challenges faced in the provision of agricultural extension services in Kwanza Sub County and how these challenges affect maize production and food security. The objectives of the study were to assess the challenges in agricultural extension service provision under the devolved system of government, particularly in Kwanza Sub County, and how these challenges affect maize farmers’ productivity and food security. The target population consisted of maize farmers in Kwanza Sub County, Trans Nzoia County, and a descriptive survey research design was used for data collection. Purposive sampling was applied to select key informants from public and private agricultural institutions, and simple random sampling was used to select 379 farmers from a total population of 26,767 maize farmers. Data was collected using structured and semi-structured questionnaires, as well as interview guides. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including frequencies, percentages, and chi-square tests, with the help of the SPSS program. The findings indicate that farmers in Kwanza Sub County face significant challenges in accessing quality agricultural extension services. Key obstacles identified include insufficient funding (55%), inadequate staffing of extension officers (60%), logistical issues, and gaps in infrastructure, particularly in remote areas. These challenges severely impact the effectiveness of extension services and, by extension, the production of maize, a key food security crop. Recommendations to improve the situation include increasing funding for extension services, hiring more extension officers, improving logistical support, and ensuring continuous training for the officers. The study highlights the critical need to address these challenges to enhance the provision of extension services, which is essential for improving food security and agricultural productivity in Kwanza Sub County.
Key word: Challenges of Extension Service Provision, Food Production and Food Security
CITATION: Wekesa, M. K., Ogemah, V., & Ndiema, A. C. (2025). Challenges of extension service provision that affect food production and food security in Kwanza Sub County. The Strategic Journal of Business & Change Management, 12 (2), 607 – 620. http://dx.doi.org/10.61426/sjbcm.v12i2.3231
Full Text:
PDFReferences
Duflo, E., Kremer, M., & Robinson, J. (2021). Nudging farmers to use fertilizer: Theory and experimental evidence from Kenya. Agricultural Economics, 52(4), 543–556.
FAO. (2019). Digital technologies in agriculture and rural areas: Briefing paper. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Retrieved from http://www.fao.org
Farooq, U., Shamail, A., & Awais, M. (2008). Decentralization in developing countries: A review of theoretical and empirical literature. Pakistan Development Review, 47(4), 977–992.
Kanyangi, M., Muriithi, B. W., & Gido, E. O. (2020). Effects of agricultural extension services on smallholder farmers’ productivity in Kenya. African Journal of Agricultural Research, 15(2), 187–197.
Kivuva, J. M. (2017). Challenges facing agricultural extension services in Eastern and Southern Africa. African Journal of Rural Development, 2(3), 125–135.
Laryea-Adjei, G. (2006). Decentralization and service delivery in developing countries: A framework for analysis. Journal of Public Administration, 41(4), 721–738.
Mango, N., Ouma, J., & Mburu, S. (2021). Enhancing food security through improved extension services in Kenya. International Journal of Agricultural Extension, 9(1), 12–23.
Mazzucato, V., & Boccella, N. (2018). Assessing the challenges of agricultural extension services in Italy. European Journal of Agricultural Economics, 45(1), 54–70.
Mwamfupe, D., Makoye, E., & Msuya, D. (2019). Constraints to effective agricultural extension service delivery in Tanzania. Tanzania Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 18(1), 24–35.
Obare, G. A., Wambugu, S. K., & Nyangena, W. (2021). Policy gaps in agricultural extension service delivery under devolution in Kenya. Journal of Development Policy and Practice, 6(2), 141–158.
Parker, A. (1995). Decentralization: The way forward for rural development? Policy Research Working Paper 1475. The World Bank.
Republic of Kenya. (2012). The Constitution of Kenya 2010. Nairobi: National Council for Law Reporting.
Republic of Kenya. (2020). Agricultural Sector Transformation and Growth Strategy (ASTGS) 2019–2029. Nairobi: Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Irrigation.
Swanson, B. E., & Rajalahti, R. (2020). Strengthening agricultural extension and advisory services: A global perspective. Washington, DC: The World Bank.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.61426/sjbcm.v12i2.3231
Refbacks
- There are currently no refbacks.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
PAST ISSUES:
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.