Exploring Farmers' Perspectives on the Accessibility, Adequacy, Relevance, and Quality of Agricultural Support Services (ASS) in Oshikoto Region, Namibia

Abstract

This study investigates the challenges facing agricultural support services (ASS) in the Oshikoto region of Namibia, highlighting inefficiencies, unreliability, and a lack of responsiveness to the diverse needs of farmers within a context of limited resources. Utilizing a quantitative approach, the research purposively sampled 200 farmers across commercial, communal, and small-scale sectors to assess their perceptions of the ASS's quality, relevance, and adequacy. The findings reveal significant disparities in the provision of services, with a small number of providers adequately meeting the needs of a limited segment of the farming community. Particularly, communal farmers experience a more pronounced service gap compared to their commercial counterparts, with many having little to no contact with ASS providers for extended periods. Standout performers, including Agricultural Mentors, NGOs, and Private Extension Providers, highlight effective models for service delivery. These insights pave the way for improving ASS-farmer collaborations and contribute to the formulation of a comprehensive Agricultural Extension Policy in Namibia, designed to meet the nuanced needs of the farming community and ensure the involvement of all relevant stakeholders.