The government, has been urged to improve the quality and quantity of extension services in the country as a way of revamping the agricultural sector which is the country’s economic backbone. Experts say extension services are still lacking despite the fact that the government has tried to put in place measures intended to uplift the agriculture sector.
In an interview at the closure of the extension week, which brought together the different actors who provide solutions to the agriculture sector, David Wozemba, the country director of Sasakawa Africa Association, said that irrespective of the heavy investment in agriculture, there has been a challenge of adequate technical staff to guide farmers.
Wozemba said that as co- creators of the knowledge that is disseminated in the extension services program, and have development an extension agency up to the sub county level in up to 31 districts, the numbers of extension workers are still very low.
“Currently, the biggest challenge is having the right number of extension services on the ground. Foot soldiers as extension officers us very critical in enhancing knowledge to the farmers,” Wozemba said.
He added that the government should consider partnering with the private sector and the international agencies to find ways of how the extension services network is widened to reach out to the masses, and cause the desired change at the farmers’ level.
According to Wozemba, the current extension network numbers are very wanting, and to make matters worse, even the operational support required to facilitate them, is inadequate which worsens the problem. If the parish development model is to make any impact in the lives of farmers, Wozemba said then extension services must be prioritized.
Wozemba said the ratio of extension workers to farmers in Uganda currently stand at 1:1200, which is way above the required standards of 1:500. “These numbers are few and the government should blend what the private sector and other players bring on board to solve this problem rather than negating them.”
Ronald Kitayimbwa, the agricultural officer for Nakaseke sub-county, and Luggo town council, whom was found at the venue, said that the smaller numbers of the extensive workers leave many farmed unattended to. This, Kitayimbwa, said affects farmers at their level but the impact is felt nationwide.
“The biggest challenge is that Many farmers are still stuck in the rudimentary ways of farming, and they have neglected the new technology that is being brought to them because they don’t fully understand so changing their mind that is what is required, and takes more extension officers,” he said.