The Effect of Perception of Extension Service on Small Farm Holders Agricultural Production

Abstract

Empirical studies have suggested that agricultural extension can increase agricultural productivity. However, the increase in productivity relies largely on various auxiliary issues. Thus, this particular study was conducted among a subset group of southern-African farmers in order to examine the relationship between the provision of extension services and increased productivity in a regional context. An analysis of views in perception of these small scale farmers was used as a guide in estimating the efficacy of extension services. Perception as an indicator was then examined to access its extrapolative value in agricultural policies. The views of these farmers were analyzed using regression analysis to determine how extension services affected their performance. The findings revealed that positive perception extension services correlates to negative agricultural performance. While poor perceptions of extension services have tendencies of higher yield. Other factors of importance in the correlation identified were education, experience and exposure. These factors influenced perceptions and essentially agricultural yield.

Keywords: Poverty alleviation, perception, extension service, production performance