Is a Demonstration-Based Extension Model Effective in Enhancing Adoption of Good Agronomic Practices? Lessons from Tete Province, Mozambique
Abstract
The study assessed the contribution of demonstration-based extension model on adoption of good agronomic practices. Data on knowledge level, the adoption rates of agronomic practices and farmers’ perceptions on the effectiveness of the extension model were collected using semi-structured questionnaires. Primary and secondary data were analyzed through meaningful categorization, student’s t-test and logistic regression model and descriptive statistics to draw conclusions. The study revealed that a significant proportion of farmers adopted some demonstrated practices to varying extent. Adoption of some practices depended on farmers’ socio-economic characteristics such as education level, household size, assets ownership and access to inputs limited adoption of some practices among them fertilizer use and improved maize varieties. Frequent training sessions did not necessarily lead to increased acquisition of knowledge, but well planned and executed programs that gave farmers adequate time to work on their fields, facilitated farmers’ learning and subsequent adoption of practices. The study recommended the prioritization of good agronomic practices, use of complimentary extension methods to increase crop productivity and further research on benefits of plant basins in pigeon pea production.
Keywords: Demonstration extension model, effectiveness, adoption of good agronomic practices
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