ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES IN PRIVATE EXTENSION SERVICE IN AFRICA: Lessons from current development initiatives in Nigeria,

Ademola A. Ladele

Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development

University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria

Overview

Current Development trends in Africa Commitment of Africa to Agric-led

Development Expressed in CAADP [the

Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Devpt Program] Role of Private Extension in CAAP Models & Frameworks Cases of Private Extension in Nigeria Challenges and Way Forward Conclusion

Current Development trends in Africa Africa has enjoyed faster economic

growth since new century than for several decades

d 2008 TiSD – Africa Report found that despite such success, achieving d MDGs remains a challenge for sub-Saharan Africa, due to widespread poverty.

Most African countries [esp. sub-Saharan Africa] are at the lowest rumps of d HDI and HPI.

Commitment of Africa to Agric-led Development Expressed in CAADP

Indications that many African nations are recently determined to change through CAADP

CAADP – AU/NEPAD agenda [2003] to reach higher economic growth thru invigorated agric-led devpt.; target 6% agr & allocating 10% national budget 2 agric

Cardinal strategies – NAIP, GAFSP, SAKSS to drive d process

5 Key themes of NAIP include provision and supervision of extension services [led by the private sector]

Role of Private Extension in CAAP

Limitations of public extension systems across Africa has created critical role 4 Private Extension:

Poor funding of agric sector – reflects in high EA/F

Low technical and professional competencies – due to poor training

Weak cc of public extension to cover the entire commodity ss chaini.e. overwhelmed PE ; Market orientation etc

Models and Frameworks

Extension alternatives – changed from mere diversity of methods to many institutional ext options [Moris, 1991]

Private Extension – acts of p inds. or organizations providing extension services 2 farmers usu charging farmers [privatization is act of govt to recover costs]

Out growers schemes, PPP and Commodity Alliance Model

Fig 1: Commodity Alliance Model

Commodity Alliance Model

Key elements1.Backward integration2.Purpose of partnership3.Key stakeholders4.Charter of partnership5.Benefits6.Alliance/Partnership manager

Cases of Private Extension in Nigeria

1. By Agri-input Dealers Associations – pioneered by USAID/DIAMIMA & MIRE.g. NAIDAs, Sygenta Agrochemicals

2. Firms sourcing raw materials; E.g. OLAM Nig. Ltd. In rice milling, Sasakawa Global 2000 in sorghum, Saro Agro-Allied Ltd. Extension Programme.

3. Private Extension Consultancy E.g. FIF Konsult Ltd. and Dynamic Agro Inds. Ltd.

Challenges

Limited capacity of PESP CC of commodity associations

to dd services Quality of rural infrastructure Policy environment Technical competence Risks and uncertainties Farming systems

Appropriate private extension policy Capacity building Basic performance assessment tools 4

commodity associations to be designed Reliable insurance scheme in-built to

the CAM Markets for major crops thru food

reserves and export drive by govt. Lessons to be learnt from other

nations & plan to privatize extension service delivery

Way forward

ConclusionPrivate extension service has a great potential in Africa.

It has merit in contributing towards achieving the goals of CAADP

Increased private sector participation - may serve as the missing link to transform the rural Africa

Acknowledgment

Big thanks to CTA for the funding support 4 me to

participate in this great event