Analysis of Critical Factors Influencing Performance of Extensionists in Limpopo Department of Agriculture in South Africa | Chapter 6 | Agricultural Sciences: Techniques and Innovations Vol. 5

 

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

 

Professionalising Agricultural Extension in Limpopo, South Africa: Challenges, Progress and Key Competencies | Chapter 1 | Agricultural Sciences: Techniques and Innovations Vol. 3

 

The journey towards professionalism in South Africa was championed by not a single person but a collective, each one doing a part in the process. The South African Society for Agricultural Extension made some efforts by participating in the Standard Generating Body, and it further developed an extension landscape which categorised its members towards professionalism. The paper argues that professionalism also affects agricultural extension in service delivery by creating demotivated cadres in agriculture. It also provides clarification of the concept of professionalism. It draws data from researchers who did extensive work in the area of professionalism and the registration of profession, the paper seeks to achieve the following: 1) provide concrete principles of professionalism, 2) identify critical obstacles associated with professionalism, 3) review progress on efforts done to date in South Africa about professionalism in extension, 4) and highlight the qualities extensionists are expected to possess. Only three districts in Limpopo, namely Capricorn, Vhembe and Sekhukhune, participated in a sample of 30 extension officers. They were interviewed on their opinions about the skills requirements of the extension profession. The majority of the respondents were male, constituting 70 per cent and 30 per cent female.

 

The results revealed that certain skills are important to be possessed by the extension practitioners as seen by their rating: public speaking 86%, writing 72%, listening 69%, research linkages 83%, leadership,76.6%, critical thinking 63%, supervisory 70% and communication planning 83.3%. But when respondents were asked to judge themselves on the functionality of those skills, it was found wanting. The study concluded that professionalising extension and advisory practitioners in South Africa should be considered highly by all stakeholders interested in agricultural development. The study recommended that an action plan needs to be developed in order to bring or maintain a variety of competences among the extension practitioners, who should strive for excellence in order to improve service delivery.

Author(s) Details

E. M. Zwane
Centre for Rural Community Empowerment, School of Agriculture, University of Limpopo, South Africa.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/asti/v3/4902