National Agricultural Extension Strategy 2016/17-2020/21.

The National Agricultural Extension Strategy is a national strategy with a multi-sectoral approach. The timeframe of this Strategy is 5 years between 2016/2017 and 2020/2021. The main goal of the Strategy is to establish and strengthen a sustainable farmer-centred agricultural extension system for increased productivity, food security, nutrition, household incomes and international trade, through developing gender-sensitive value chain, promoting the usage of agricultural technologies and enhancing institutional capacity building.
All farmers (including youth, women and vulnerable groups) will be empowered to access and utilize agricultural extension services. The research and extension needs of farmers will be satisfied by the extension agents. The marketing support to farmers’ groups and high level farmer organizations will be provided. In addition, financial agricultural measures regarding agricultural credits will be taken. The participation of all farmers will be ensured in decision making processes through their farmer organizations and groups. Capacity building will be ensured by strengthening agricultural education and training.
In order to promote private sector investments in the agricultural sector, Public-Private Partnerships will be harmonized. Agribusiness services and agricultural value chain development will be promoted in close collaboration with the private sector. Market information and analysis will be provided and new markets for agricultural products will be identified. A mechanism for registration and accreditation of extension service providers will be established. Agricultural industrial development will be supported by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives. Furthermore, the linkage of existing farmers’ organizations to markets will be strengthened. An effective agricultural data and information management will be ensured. The participation of the extension services and farmers will be ensured in identification, testing, evaluation and up-scaling of technological solutions including indigenous knowledge. Improved technologies will be used by the enterprises engaged in crop production, livestock husbandry, fishery and sustainable land use management. Activities related to irrigation, water and soil management, agricultural equipment, post-harvest handling, pest control and agro-food processing will be integrated into the field extension services.
The climate change adaptation and mitigation technologies will be developed to ensure sustainable agriculture, fisheries and animal husbandry. The technology will be monitored and consequently entrepreneurs will be guided on climate change and environmental issues.
The Strategy elaborates the mandates, roles and responsibilities of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, the Directorate of Agricultural Extension Services, technical Directorates and Agencies, Production and Marketing Departments of Local Governments, other relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies as well as Non-State Actors. The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries shall be responsible for the implementation of policies, legislation, standards, plans and strategies in the areas of agricultural extension services. Institutional capacity building will be ensured by strengthening the linkage between training institutions and the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries. In particular, the Directorate of Agricultural Extension Services shall be the key facilitator and coordinator of the Production and Marketing Departments of Local Governments, NGOs and private sector in provision of agricultural extension services during the implementation of this strategy. In order to support the implementation of the National Agricultural Extension Policy and Strategy, a National Agricultural Extension Act will be enacted and existing legislation will be reviewed, developed and updated.