Role of Agricultural Extension Worker in Improving Livelihood of Small Farmers in Kama District Afghanistan

Abstract

This current research study was designed to assess the role of extension workers in improving the livelihood of small farmers in Kama district. The major objectives of the study were to know the current situation of small farmers’ involvement in farming practices and livestock management and identify the role and contribution of extension worker to improving of livelihood of small farmers in the study area. This study was conducted through a survey method across the District Kama from 200 small farmers of 4 villages from the selected 120 respondents. Regarding crop cultivation, majority of wheat grown on an area of 1.8 acres with the yield of 1819 Afs/acre at the prevailed 27 Afs/kg, and sugarcane was grown on an area of 0.3 acres the yield 13409 Afs/acre and price availed 11 Afs/kg. Additionally, vegetables cultivation, majority the respondents have grown Okra on area 0.4 acres, tomatoes, grown on an area of 0.3 acres, onions, 0.4 acres and bitter gourd, on regarding 0.2 acres in the study area. Around 77.3% of the respondents acquired information about the Agriculture Extension Department from agricultural extension workers; about 61% identified pest management as the primary reason directly affecting their crop yields. The results depend that there is significant association between educational status and satisfaction with livestock department. There is also a significant association between tenure status and frequency of visit by extension workers. It was concluded that majority of the small farmers uneducated and they were not aware of the new technologies and inputs. Major marketing problem faced by small farmers were marketing, transportation and small land did not take care of their land. It is recommended, agriculture and livestock extension department should make use of every available source of information to reach practically to everyone who can benefit from it. Technical trainings should be organized by government and other stakeholders in view of improving the livelihood of small farmers. Smallholders’ agricultural development programs need to be developed and implemented to different cropping situations of Afghanistan.