Adoption and Impact of Agricultural Extension Technologies in the Jong Chiefdom, Bonthe District, Southern Sierra Leone

Abstract

Agricultural extension technologies (AETs) have enabled small-scale farmers in developing countries to increase production with minimal capital investment. AET bridges the gap between traditional subsistence and modern mechanized agriculture. Farmers adopting AETs have been making remarkable progress in their farming practices resulting in increased crop and livestock production. The study investigated the adoption and impact of AETs on farmers and their communities. The target population comprised farmers in the Jong Chiefdom in the Bonthe District in southern Sierra Leone who have participated in extension workshops/seminars. A sample of 46 farmers selected randomly participated in the study. Structured questionnaires were used to gather information on the adoption and impact of AETs. AETs adopted by farmers were ox-plough, winnowers, peelers, graters, shellers, hullers, fryers, crackers, foo foo dwellers, pressers, improved animal breeds, veterinary services and fish pond construction. It is concluded that farmers in the Jong Chiefdom were primarily low level adopters of AETs. Nonetheless, farming operations improved in the chiefdom owing to the adoption of AETs. Even though farmers appreciated the role of AETs, many could not afford or purchase the technologies. It is recommended that providing credit facilities would enable farmers to purchase AETs. Re-introducing AETs with low-level adoption would also increase farmers’ access to the innovations.