New agric policy promises to increase extension work force

The new National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy (NATIP) had identified the need to increase the workforce of extension workers from the present numbers of 20,000 to 130,000 towards standard food productivity and security.

This was stated in a NATIP that President Muhammadu Buhari had already endorsed for the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) as a new policy that will be used in the crops and livestock food production in the country within the period of year 2022-27.

Although the modality of how the extension work force will be increased from its present less than 120,000 to 130,000 was not well spelt out but it was stated that the ‘’ revitalization of the extension service system in the country will produce 130,000 extension workers using conventional and e-extension system yearly. A pragmatic approach to training and mentoring of specialised extension agents will be deployed in collaboration with the state governments, private extension provider and development partners’’

It was further argued in the document that farmers had been denied maximum productivity of both crops and animals foods due to very limited numbers of extension workers across the country who would have trained them on best agricultural practices to higher food production for local and external consumptions.

The policy document produced by the FMARD stated that  ‘’ with less than 20,000 extension worker across the country, farmers receive limited guidance and training in technology adoption and application of inputs, such as fertilizers, herbicide and pesticides, leading to over utilization of agro inputs resulting in low productivity and reduced export opportunities’’

NATIP however itemised the following as the support programmes

i. Vigorously support the implementation of the National Agricultural Extension Policy.

ii. Strengthening research-extension farmer linkage system

iii. Preparing and executing intensive programs for the training of 130,000 extension workers annually (including private extension agents) in the different specialization needed.

iv. Strong mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation of extension activities in the 36 states and Abuja with the participation of concerned stakeholders.

v. Encouraging private sector, farmer to farmer and commodity based advisors participation in extension service delivery.

vi. Improving the working condition and welfare of the extension personnel

vii. Promoting the use of ICTs in extension service delivery

viii. Establishment of farmer helpline-centres in the six Geo-political zones.

ix. Promoting the establishment of one –stop agricultural extension delivery centres in the 774 local Government Areas.