Resumen

SAIDI, A.M.; LOKI, O.  y  STEVENS, J.B.. Extension Access, Quality and Impact: Lessons from Strengthening Agriculture and Nutrition Extension Project in Malawi. S Afr. Jnl. Agric. Ext. [online]. 2026, vol.54, n.4, pp.70-90. ISSN 2413-3221.  https://doi.org/10.17159/2413-3221/2026/v54n4a18720.

The study was conducted to evaluate the influence of the Strengthening Agriculture and Nutrition Extension (SANE) project on the Malawi extension system (DAESS). The effectiveness of SANE was evaluated based on changes in extension access, quality and impact on farm productivity and income. A questionnaire was administered to 389 randomly selected SANE participating farmers of Dedza district. Using descriptive and content analysis, the study found that 91% of farmers accessed extension services from the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), mostly through demonstrations, the lead farmer approach, and field days. The results also demonstrated that while farmers view extensionists as competent, they perceive the overall quality of extension services to be low. Most respondents rated MoA staff as competent, with 81 and 69% endorsing their technical and soft skills, respectively, yet at least 35% reported no improvement in access to financial institutions, markets and farm inputs. Finally, the results show that extension programs positively impact farm productivity, but their effect on farm income is limited. Productivity for maize increased from 2.08 mt/ha to 2.25 mt/ha in the last two years of SANE, while farm income remained low, with the mean total value of sales for major crops in 2020-2021 at 228,068 Malawian Kwacha (MK). Overall, extension access improved, but gaps in quality and in income impact persist. The study recommends making DAESS platforms market-oriented.

Palabras clave : Agriculture Extension Access; Extension Channels; Extension Quality; Farm Productivity.

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