Extension systems in Southern African countries: A review

Abstract

This paper reviews extension systems in selected southern African countries with a view of identifying the features of the systems and how they have been able to reach their target audience. Some of the features are use of committees for research and extension linkages, involvement of NGOs and private sector, the use development programmes to improve rural areas, extensive grassroots coverage, use of ICT, high involvement of farmers in extension planning, potential for effective programme implementation, and effective setting of extension administration units.. The paper recommends that extension administrators, and policy makers should review the extension systems in each country with the realities and challenges of extension in the 21st century.