• There can be no farmer without an extension expert.
• The Standard farmer to extension officer ratio has increased rapidly from to 400 farmers to about 1500-2000 farmers.
• Accommodation is another demotivating factor.

An Agriculture Expert says government’s intentions to recruit extension officers in the 2022/2023 season will help improve the performance of the agriculture sector.
Dr. Oliver Bulaya told Money FM News that this is in line with the African Union (AU)’s call to maximize production of foods of nutritional value to sustain the continent in view of looming hunger and poverty levels.
Dr. Bulaya however noted that this move cannot be sustainable if government does not restructure camps as the Standard farmer to extension officer ratio has increased rapidly from to 400 farmers to abetween1500 and 2000 farmers.
He said there is also need to address transport challenges, noting that a number of extension experts do not have motorbikes to help them meet their expectations.
“Accommodation is another demotivating factor. There must be a clear road map to ensure that short or long-term measures are done to respond to these challenges.”
“There can be no farmer without an extension expert and there can be no food without a farmer. It is true Government has no resources to respond to all challenges but where there is a will there is a way,” Dr. Bulaya said.
He added that more budgetary allocation is required in order for the sector to do more and meet the farmers’ expectations and set objectives.