Extensionists are responsible for delivering services in
order to satisfy the needs of the farming communities. Limpopo Province came
into being after the new dispensation of 1994, and it is the amalgamation of
the former three homelands, such as Lebowa, Venda, Gazankulu and the former
territory of the Republic of South Africa. This article draws its data from a
study which was conducted in six districts of the Limpopo Department of
Agriculture. The study targeted the Extensionists and their immediate supervisors.
Out of 800 Extensionists, 324 participated in the survey. A questionnaire was
developed using the Delphi technique as part of the methodology. Different
factors that have a bearing on extension performance were identified and tested
to check the extent to which they influence performance. Responses from the
Extensionists revealed that they are performing below the expected level. The
Department of Agriculture reflects inefficient performance in terms of
investment. Part of the challenge points towards the quality of training and
the lack of adequate resources to support the Extensionists. It is suggested
that the Department should take serious steps to ensure that there is
sufficient return from investment, such as strong supervision and creating awareness
among the Extensionists on economic principles. The article concludes with some
recommendations to resolve the challenges. Furthermore, a knowledge support
system in the form of an extensive SMS system is strongly recommended.
Author(s) Details
E.M. Zwane
Agricultural Extension, School of Agriculture, University of Limpopo, P/Bag
X1106, Sovenga, 0727, South Africa.
Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/asti/v5/931
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