ISSN 2360-798X
Abstract: In Sub-Saharan Africa, studies indicate that the provision of sustainable extension services is very challenging, particularly due to the emerging farmer learning needs as the world enters an era of globalisation, democracy, privatisation, and decentralization. This paper records experiences of using enterprise agents (Agriculture Service Providers) (ASPs) as an alternative extension model in selected value chains following the re-organisation of overnment’s National Agriulture Advisory Services (NAADS). The study, initiated in Season B of 2016, explored a possible alternative extension model that would guarantee sustainability and operational efficiency in providing auxiliary services, including input market linkages and credit facilities for technology adoption. We followed the activities of the selected 38 ASPs for 2 years. The most successful approaches were those that had well-tailored economic incentives in place. These approaches relied on win-win relationships, where the ASP and the farmer beneficiary shared equal investment and mutual benefits. Members of the farmer group participated in enterprises with minimal entry barriers, which minimized their risk and enhanced their chances of success. In all of these scenarios, group members were able to quickly recoup their investments and build their confidence to eventually participate in more lucrative markets.
Keywords: enterprise agents, agriculture service providers, sub-Saharan Africa