Journal of
Agricultural Extension and Rural Development

  • Abbreviation: J. Agric. Ext. Rural Dev
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 2141-2170
  • DOI: 10.5897/JAERD
  • Start Year: 2009
  • Published Articles: 489

Full Length Research Paper

Technological gaps of agricultural extension: Mismatch between demand and supply in North Gondar Zone, Ethiopia

Genanew Agitew
  • Genanew Agitew
  • Department of Rural Development and Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture and Rural Transformation, University of Gondar, Ethiopia.
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Sisay Yehuala
  • Sisay Yehuala
  • Department of Rural Development and Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture and Rural Transformation, University of Gondar, Ethiopia.
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Asegid Demissie
  • Asegid Demissie
  • College of Business and Economics, University of Gondar, Ethiopia.
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Abebe Dagnew
  • Abebe Dagnew
  • Departments of Agricultural Economics, College of Agriculture and Rural Transformation, University of Gondar, Ethiopia.
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  •  Received: 27 March 2018
  •  Accepted: 30 April 2018
  •  Published: 31 August 2018

Abstract

This paper examines technological challenges of the agricultural extension in North Gondar Zone of Ethiopia. Understanding technological gaps in public agricultural extension helps to devise demand driven and compatible technologies to existing contexts of farmers. The study used cross sectional survey using quantitative and qualitative techniques. Data were generated from primary and secondary sources using household survey from randomly taken households, focus group discussions, key informant interview, observation and review of relevant documents and empirical works. The result of study shows that there are mismatches between needs of smallholders in crop and livestock production and available agricultural technologies delivered by public agricultural extension system. The existing agricultural technologies are limited and unable to meet the diverse needs of farm households. On the other hand, some of agricultural technologies in place are not appropriate to existing context because of top-down recommendations than need based innovation approaches.

Key words: Agriculture extension, challenge, mismatch, smallholder, technology.