| Abstract: | Agricultural extension still remains one of the most crucial and critical means
to reach farming households in the rural areas. Therefore, the main objective
of this study was to assess the role of agricultural extension service in
improving farmer’s productivity in case of Atsbi Womberta Woreda
particularly in Zarema Kebele. To achieve this, the study area was selected
purposively. The study area had a total of 1213 households and from these 50
respondents were selected using simple random sampling technique. The
qualitative and quantitative data collection methods were used to gather
primary and secondary data. The primary data were collected using key
informant interview, focus group discussion, and questionnaire whereas the
secondary data were collected from offices of agriculture and rural
development and offices of Woreda’s Market Promotion. The collected data
were analyzed using descriptive statics such as frequency, table, mean and
percentages. The finding showed that the agricultural extension services had a
great contribution on increasing food crop productivity. The total average
grosses benefit of the respondent was 39065Birr per hectare. The total net
benefit of the respondents was 28717 Birr. As the result indicated the
productivity of the respondent has increased twice after they accessed to
extension services. The major challenge that inhibited farmers to access
extension service was lack of capital, cost of input, lack of land, and low
educational level, lack of adequate information and poor information seeking
behavior of the farmers. The researcher observed that the extension agents
were more focused on the model farmers and gave less attention to poor
farmers. This led to limit farmers from participating in extension activity. In
order to increase farmers’ participation in extension activity extension agent
should treat all farmers equally. |
