Planting seeds of change in extension service pathways, in Embu County, Kenya

To identify shared challenges and learning opportunities in extension across Kenya, Sri Lanka and Laos, the project began with a comprehensive review and stakeholder engagement on the sector's challenges. Researchers from the University of Nairobi and the University of Embu in Kenya found that farmers need more practical and effective extension services to help them shift to more sustainable and profitable farming methods. They also noted a need for strong linkages between scientific research evidence and policy implementation on the ground, and called for consistent feedback loops to improve research, policy and practice. 

In Kenya, the project’s interventions have planted a small seed of change. A key milestone came when the research team presented their findings to the Embu County Assembly. Their evidence-based insights resonated very well with the members of the County assembly. County policymakers agreed that there were too few extension officers to serve farmers properly and that funding for these services was too low. They acknowledged that these problems were likely reducing agricultural productivity and committed to addressing them. They also agreed with the finding that extension service in the County was underfunded, and this may be contributing to the low levels of agricultural productivity in the County. The Assembly thus recognised the urgent need for increased investment in extension services and committed to taking action.

Following the successful discussions with the County policymakers, the assembly and its leadership further engaged the Executive arm of the County government who responded positively. The Executive has since committed to increasing the number of extension service providers in the County to improve extension service provision to farmers and enhance their agricultural productivity. This will be done by increasing the budget in the next financial year to support recruitment and training of extension officers.

Inspired by the potential for positive change, the researchers also forged strong partnerships with farmers and extension service providers. Besides, strong partnerships were forged among researchers, policymakers, and practitioners, fostering a culture of collaboration and shared ownership. The Embu County government now aims to become a role model for other counties across Kenya by showing how effective extension services can improve agriculture and farmer livelihoods.