Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services in Low and Lower-Middle-Income Countries - Knowledge Review
1. Agricultural extension and advisory services (EAS) provide information and support for producers and actors of value chains to make informed decisions for adopting innovations and improving their livelihoods.
2. Considering EAS within the framework of a Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS) presents new opportunities for their improvements and highlights the need to strengthen innovation capacities.
3. Monitoring and evaluation systems (M&E) are necessary tools to improve the performance of EAS systems. They provide evidence to justify investments, identify reform needs, ensure accountability and quality assurance and offer learning opportunities.
4. In addition to the public EAS, there is a growing number of service providers, such as private value chain actors (input dealers, private companies), farmer-based organisations, and civil society organisations.
5. Private EAS providers offer tailored services to their clients and are complementary to public and farmer-based services (however their services might remain constrained by their return).
6. The role of the state remains pivotal for the creation of an enabling environment for pluralistic and decentralised EAS, that are inclusive, promote innovation, and support sustainable rural development.
7. Different financial models are necessary to ensure that the services are available and accessible to different groups and to ensure good quality services.
Decentralised and pluralistic structures for providing services facilitate demand-driven approaches but need good coordination.
8. Community-based approaches and interactive methods in network settings can better reach women, youth, vulnerable groups, and people in remote areas.
Group-based holistic learning approaches, such as Farmer Field Schools are well-suited for promoting complex practices (organic agriculture, agroecology, etc.).
9. Digital tools can help to overcome the “last mile” and to reach women and people in remote areas provided that digital infrastructure (networks, electricity) is available and accessible (devices) and usable (digital literacy).
GERSTER BENTAYA Maria;
MAES Olivier;
REMBOLD Felix;
CALLENIUS Caroline;
2024-06-24
European Commission
JRC137791
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