Farmers’ experiences with extension services in promoting sustainable land use practices in Fanteakwa South municipality

Enoch Kwame Tham-Agyekum, John-Eudes Andivi Bakang, Fred Ankuyi, Lawrence Xedagbui, Franklin Bobby Afun, Bernice Awusi, Goeffrey Opoku Darko, Priscilla Henrietta Fynn

Abstract


This study explored farmers’ experiences with agricultural extension services in promoting sustainable land use practices in the Fanteakwa South Municipality of Ghana. Guided by participatory extension, social learning, innovation diffusion, and systems theory, the research adopted a qualitative exploratory case study design. Data were collected through focus group discussions with twenty farmers and key informant interviews with extension officers, farmer-based organizations, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders. Thematic analysis revealed that farmers accessed extension messages through group meetings, community information centers, radio programs, and home visits. While farmers expressed general satisfaction with these methods, they highlighted differing preferences based on accessibility and interaction, with farm visits and group methods valued for their practical and interactive nature. Extension agents promoted practices such as soil fertility management, agroforestry, crop rotation, erosion control, and water conservation. Adoption, however, was constrained by financial limitations, lack of access to credit, and the technical complexity of extension messages. Facilitators included trust in extension officers, peer learning, and practical demonstrations. The findings underscore the need for farmer-centered extension approaches that integrate financial support mechanisms, participatory learning, and coordinated stakeholder engagement to enhance adoption and ensure the sustainability of land use practices in farming communities.

 

Received: 28 August 2025

Accepted: 30 September 2025

Published: 13 October 2025


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References


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DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21622/MACI.2025.02.2.1642

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Copyright (c) 2025 Enoch Kwame Tham-Agyekum, John-Eudes Andivi Bakang, Fred Ankuyi, Lawrence Xedagbui, Franklin Bobby Afun, Bernice Awusi, Goeffrey Opoku Darko, Priscilla Henrietta Fynn

Multidisciplinary Adaptive Climate Insights

E-ISSN: 3009-6332

P-ISSN: 3009-7924

 

Published by:

Academy Publishing Center (APC)

Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT)

Alexandria, Egypt

maci@aast.edu