AGRA and various stakeholders in the agricultural sector are collaborating to establish a framework for the institutionalization of a private sector-led extension approach called the Community-Based Advisor (CBA). The aim is to address the shortage of extension agents in the country and enhance agricultural development while providing employment opportunities for youth.
During a side event organized by AGRA at the 6th Africa-Wide Agricultural Extension Week in Abuja, Qureish Noordin, AGRA’s Programme Officer Extension and Capacity Building, highlighted the need to institutionalize the CBA approach and gain recognition from the government, communities, and private sector. He emphasized that approximately 90% of sub-Saharan African countries face challenges in terms of the shortage of extension workers. The ideal ratio of one officer to farmer should be 1:500, but in many cases, it is 1:2000 or even 1:10,000.
AGRA trains government officials in collaboration with implementing partners and the private sector using the private sector-led approach through Community-Based Advisors. These CBAs work alongside communities and government officers to identify and select individuals based on specific criteria. The selected individuals are trained in good agronomic practices, extension approaches, as well as marketing and post-harvest management. They also establish links with other partners.
The CBAs operate independently and generate their own income by becoming agents for seed companies, agro-dealers, and off-takers, earning commissions from their services. Noordin explained that the government’s involvement is crucial in providing training to officials, enabling them to support and expand the CBA network effectively. Importantly, the CBAs do not receive direct payment from the government.
AGRA views this private sector-led extension approach as an effective means of improving the efficiency of the extension system in African governments. The side event in Abuja aims to discuss how AGRA and the private sector can formalize the CBA model and gain recognition and support from the government, communities, and private sector stakeholders.
Tajudeen Yahaya, CEO of Extension Africa, expressed the need for private sector players to contribute to the extension services as the government alone cannot meet the demand for extension agents. Currently, Nigeria has an alarming ratio of one extension agent for every 10,000 farmers, instead of the recommended ratio of one agent to 500 or a maximum of 800 farmers. Yahaya emphasized that private sector involvement in extension services would address the scarcity of agents, ensure sustainability, and offer job opportunities for young people.
The collaborative effort between AGRA, stakeholders, and the private sector to institutionalize the CBA approach is seen as a potential solution to the shortage of extension agents and a means to boost agricultural development and youth employment in Nigeria. The goal is to develop a comprehensive framework for the government to recognize and support CBAs effectively. With proper institutionalization, certification, and information dissemination, the CBAs can contribute significantly to the agricultural sector’s growth and productivity.
In conclusion, the public-private partnership’s approach to extension services through Community-Based Advisors shows promise in bridging the gap in extension worker availability. It offers a sustainable and efficient model that can help address the shortage of extension agents while empowering youth and enhancing agricultural development in Nigeria.
