Agricultural extension in East Africa

This report reviews the status of agricultural extension in the AF2 countries (Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, Mauritius and Uganda). The key problems are discussed and recommendations are made on how to render agricultural extension services to small-scale producers in low-income countries more effective, efficient and sustainable. The report provides background information on extension in the AF2 countries. It discusses objectives and the relation between objectives and extension strategies. It describes some problems of organization and management, including financing implementation, human resources and in-service training. It adresses the linkages with farmers and other organizations. The report also focuses on reaching resource-poor groups, especially women and pastoralists. The concluding section suggests some new extension strategies relevant to AF2 as well as to other African countries. Four annexes review the overall agricultural knowledge system: the history of agricultural extension in Africa; the costs of World Bank-supported extension projects; and some approaches to improve procurement.