Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development

Perceived Benefits and Tradeoffs of Local Service Providers for Functioning as Extension Agents in Aquaculture

Abstract: This paper systematically investigated the reasons why local service providers (LSPs), primarily aquaculture input sellers, appear more effective as extension agents, as well as their motivations for participating in advisory and extension services, including perceived benefits and tradeoffs, commitments, and socio-economic factors. Results showed that the LSPs have to perceive several tradeoffs to function as extension agents. For example, they must spend enough time visiting farmers and their ponds. Some LSPs sell inputs (seed, feed, or medicine) on loans to farmers, with the condition that the loan is paid back after harvest. Some LSPs help farmers develop networks with backward and forward market actors. In return, the LSPs received several tangible benefits, which served as motivational factors for them to accept these trade-offs. They are primarily motivated because it enables them to establish a reliable customer base for their product sales. We have applied the qualitative research method to conceptualize, collect, analyze, and interpret our findings. We collected primary data through in-depth interviews, adhering to a developed checklist that outlined the research objectives.

Keywords: Advisory and Extension Services, LSP Model, Local Service Providers, Aquaculture