Reaching Swazi Nation Land Farmers: Challenges to the Credibility of Agricultural Extension in Swaziland

Abstract

Agricultural extension services have been availed to SNL farmers in Swaziland for seven decades now. However, increasing concerns that the services have not contributed significantly to the improvement of the conditions and well-being of farmers and that it is not clear where extension efforts are heading point to a mounting credibility problem. The paper points out that this problem is partly a result of lack of a clearly defined philosophy, often leading to the use of top-down, directive methods; the extension job being male dominated and gender stereotyping; and most of the frontline extension workers being youthful, moderately experienced in their job and relatively lowly qualified. It also notes that institutions conventionally mandated to disseminate agricultural information are poorly regarded by clientele and that extension staffing is poor, leading to inequitable and infrequent coverage. Extension approaches are based on operational myths that tend to marginalise and disempower tradition oriented clientele. The agricultural extension service has been found to be generally weak in addressing its mandate. The paper highlights the need for a paradigm shift and clear definition of direction, with implications for addressing the operational myths and seeking redress.