COMPARATIVE STUDY OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SYSTEM OF NIGERIA AND THE GAMBIA

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This study focuses on the analysis of Nigeria and The Gambia National extension policies and system. The study discussed three main themes (mission and goals, approach and functions, and clienteles). The study found that both two countries does not adopt legislated or formal national extension policy rather implied policies which were garnered, feasible, for the two countries through their government publications and published researched studies from academic and recognized developmental institutions. Generally, the analysis found that the two countries extension missions and goals focused on improving profitability of agricultural business and increasing output volumes; market share in achieving to enhancing quality of life and agricultural development. In terms of approaches and functions, the study observed that public sector extension in the two countries is undergoing transformation including decentralization and outsourcing extension services in the context of adopting a pluralistic system of extension delivery. While up to six models of extension are a commonly applied in the two countries, the dominant context is pluralism around public, private and NGO-based services. The dominant clientele was stated to be women and small- and medium-scale farmers. However, main barriers limiting women’s participation are still insufficiently addressed. The study concludes that it is important for the two countries authorities, perhaps supportively, to develop and establish formal extension policies that will manifest their vision, mission, goals and methods to provide a stable agenda within which targeted clientele and be purposively supported in the pursuit of sustainable agricultural development. Keywords: Extension, Extension Policy, Nigeria, The Gambia, Mission and Goals, Approach and Function, Clientele.

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