Elements of agricultural extension policy in Kenya: challenges and opportunities

Agricultural extension is important in agricultural development. It was established in Kenya after the second world war. The extension services were provided by the government. Variations in the system have included: a) the integrated approach under the special rural integrated development project, 1970s, b) training and visit system, 1982, c) district focus for rural development, 1984 and d) national agricultural and livestock extension programme, 2000. The government is implementing the National Extension policy which advocates demand-driven extension and participation of other players. Agriculture training is provided in farmer’s colleges and tertiary institutions. Shifts in extension policy in Kenya have been due to perceived low impact of agricultural extension. Factors attributed to this scenario include weak operational framework and poor linkages between research, extension and the farmer. To strengthen the agricultural extension system, the government has opted to support non-governmental actors. The merits and demerits of this approach are discussed.