This report presents a comprehensive overview of the activities carried out by the Agricultural Extension Agents (AEAs) during the first quarter of 2025. The visits were aimed at providing technical support, knowledge transfer, and advisory services to farmers and stakeholders in line with the Department’s mandate to promote sustainable agricultural development and contribute to national food security.
OBJECTIVES:
The objectives of the Agricultural Extension Agents (AEAs)’ home and farm visits for the first quarter were to:
- Provide comprehensive extension and educational support to farmers and other stakeholders along the value chain within the Municipality.
- Effectively disseminate information and sensitize farmers and other value chain actors on the Government’s Feed Ghana flagship programme and other relevant initiatives related to Agriculture.
COVERAGE AND OPERATIONAL AREAS:
A total of eight (8) Agricultural Extension Agents (AEAs) actively conducted home and farm visits within the various operational zones of the Municipality. The communities visited during the reporting period include: Michel Camp, Gbetsile, Kpone, Kokompe, Blue Gate Farms, Kpoi-Ete, Saki, Timber Market, High Tension Farms, Zenu, Santeo, Appolonia, Kubekuro, Okushibri, Oyibi, Valley View, and Bawaleshie.
- Key Activities Undertaken:
- Chemicals supplied by the Regional Office were distributed to vegetable farmers to enhance pest and disease management and boost vegetable production.
- Agricultural Extension Agents (AEAs) sensitized and trained both crop and livestock farmers on new and improved agricultural technologies to improve productivity.
- Farmers were linked to marketers, agro-input dealers, and financial institutions to strengthen market access and improve financial inclusion. Special focus was given to the women FBOs/cooperatives at the Michel Camp Irrigation Scheme to empower women in agriculture.
- Extension areas Covered:
During the first quarter, educational activities and demonstrations focused on the following key areas: - Mechanization — promotion of appropriate farm machinery uses to improve efficiency.
- Crop Production — adoption of best agronomic practices to increase yields.
- Conservation Agriculture — soil and water conservation methods for sustainable land use.
- Livestock Production and Home Gardening — integrated systems to improve household nutrition and diversify income sources.
- Encouraged adoption of better post-harvest handling, storage, and value addition practices to reduce losses and maintain produce quality.
- Performance and Impact:
A comparative analysis of the first quarter visits indicates progress in outreach efforts:
- 1st Quarter 2024: 381 visits conducted, reaching 554 male and 234 female beneficiaries.
- 1st Quarter 2025: 437 visits conducted, reaching 558 male and 265 female beneficiaries. Graphical Illustration
OUTCOMES:
- Increased farmer awareness and adoption of improved technologies in crop and livestock production.
- Enhanced linkages between farmers, input suppliers, marketers, and financial institutions.
- Improved participation of women farmers through targeted support for FBOs/Cooperatives.
- Strengthened pest and disease management among vegetable farmers through timely distribution of chemicals.
- Observable increase in the number of visits and direct beneficiaries compared to the previous year, indicating expanded outreach and effective extension delivery.
8.Conclusion:
The first quarter of 2025 recorded an improvement in the number of home and farm visits compared to the same period in 2024. The Agricultural Extension Agents (AEAs)’ commitment to delivering effective extension services has contributed significantly to enhancing farmer knowledge, promoting the adoption of improved agricultural technologies, and strengthening market and financial linkages, especially for women groups.
The Department remains dedicated to providing the necessary support, timely logistics, and continuous capacity building for Agricultural Extension Agents (AEAs) to sustain and expand these impactful extension activities.
REPORT IN PICTURES
