Weak and or non-existent farmer-research-extension linkage structures, a cause for concern: the Nyanga District Perspective, Zimbabwe

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to establish the current state of public research-extension-farmer linkages in Nyanga district of Zimbabwe. The target sample population was comprised of 150 communal farmers (N=150) from three clusters in Nyanga districts, as well as 12 extension officers (N=12) and six research officers (N=6). The study revealed that evaluation of the frequency of communication and communication channels used by the three stakeholders does not suggest or support any proper structural linkages. The study also revealed very weak farmers-extension linkages and non-existent farmer-research linkages as well as research-extension linkages. There is a general lack of understanding of the concept of linkage amongst research and extension officers as well as the farmers.

Keywords: structural linkages, extension, extension officers, research officers, farmers