1 STRENGTHENING EXTENSION & ADVISORYSERVICE DELIVERY TOWARDS MEETING THE CHALLENGES OF THE 21 ST CENTURY The Critical Factors – The Kenya Experience BY MARY KAMAU DIRECTOR, EXTENSION & TRAINING MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE KENYA DURING THE GLOBAL FORUM FOR RURAL ADVISORY SERVICES (GFRAS) 3 RD ANNUAL CONFERENCE, MANILA PHILIPPINES 25 SEPTEMBER 2012

Agricultural Extension in Kenya Kenya’s agriculture is dominated by small scale farmers (75% of the total production). There are wide variations among the small farmers in management practices and husbandry skills Therefore, provision of high quality extension services is very critical for improvement of smallholder productivity, farm incomes and hence poverty reduction benefits 2

National Agricultural Sector Extension Policy (NASEP) Developed by Key sector Ministries with the objective of making extension service delivery more effective and efficient. Has strong focus on promotion of pluralistic and demand driven extension service. Addresses funding modalities and regulation of extension services 3

Outline of Critical Factors 1.Improved Management and organisation of Ext. Service 2.Promoting Pluralistic In Extension Provision 3.Participatory M&E in Extension implemented 4.Appropriate Extension Approaches and Methods 5.Clientele Empowerment 6.Stakeholder Collaboration & Networking 7.Research-extension-client Linkages 8.Institutional and Human Resource Capacity Building 9.Information & Communication Technology (ICT) 10.Mainstreaming Cross-Cutting Issues 11.Financing of Extension Service 4

5 1. Improve Management and Organisation of Extension Service: Embrace pluralism in extension services delivery Promote decentralization of decision making processes Establish an independent regulatory system Establish of participatory M&E and impact assessment; Invest in capacity building (for private and public extension providers, extension clientele, etc.); Strengthen inter-sectoral planning (to improve extension facilitating factors.

6 2. Promote Pluralism in Extension Provision Develop guidelines, code of ethics and standards for extension providers. Establish regulatory body for registration and accreditation of extension providers and practitioners. Strengthen public-private partnerships Build capacity of private sector to operate Empower community organizations Institutional linkage to providers of facilitating factors

7 3. Implement Participatory M&E in Extension i.Service Charters for Extension Service Providers ii.Use a dynamic, Participatory M&E Framework iii.Undertake TNA and train stakeholders on PM&E

8 4. Use Appropriate Extension Approaches and Methods Promote market and value addition orientation in production Demand driven and beneficiary led approach Use of group approaches Have clear accountability mechanisms; Recognise socio-economic and cultural characteristics of the clients Mainstream cross-cutting issues Promote enterprise diversification

Farmers during a Method Demonstration 9

10 5. Empower Clientele Develop community information system networks. Promote good governance in clientele groups and cooperatives. Build the capacity for community groups on e.g. resource mobilisation and access Harmonise clientele empowerment approaches Link clients with service providers Link clients with the markets Empower community groups on technology development and entrepreneurship business skills.

Farmers and stakeholders tour a cabbage demonstration plot during a farmers’ field day in an ATC. 11

12 6. Stakeholder Collaboration & Networking Should provide for integrated approach to problem solving Increase efficiency in utilization of resources Minimize duplication of efforts Allow for exchange of ideas/updating of technologies Take into account institutional comparative advantages Strife for benefits to all stakeholders (win-win situation).

13 7. Research-Extension-Client Linkages Facilitate strengthening of research-extension-client linkages and feedback mechanism. Sector ministries and research bodies to design a workable mechanism for strengthening research- extension-client linkage and feedback. Institutionalise research setting priorities Formulate sustainable funding mechanisms for technology development, dissemination and Clientele access.

14 8. Institutional and Human Resource Capacity Building Extension personnel are well trained and motivated. In-service staff training on e.g. farming as a business; value addition; emerging technological developments. Gender balance in service and mainstreaming in training. Ensure rationalization of staff recruitment and deployment Public training institutions should respond to the wider sectoral and stakeholder requirements

15 9. Information & Communication Technology (ICT) Investment in human skills and operational infrastructure (for personnel and clientele capacity building in ICT). Establish an integrated and dynamic database for the sector. Operate ICT-based rural information centres.

Mainstreaming Cross-Cutting Issues Mainstream HIV/AID Capacity building of CBOs on governance Communities basic rights and obligation Resource use conflict management Management and conservation of natural resources and environment Gender friendly extension approaches Vulnerable groups such as the disabled and resource-poor farmers

Financing of Extension Service Commercialisation of extension services Privatization of services where private sector business can thrive Ensure adequate funding mechanism of extension services. Facilitate a stakeholder-driven Trust Fund for extension service Institutional arrangements for cost sharing and graduating to full cost recovery.

Agricultural Staff on practical training in a Research Center 18

19 END THANK YOU