Poor extension services affecting farmers in Kasese

Farmers in Kasese are grappling without extension services which have affected their production rate

Kasese, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The failure by extension workers in Kasese district to reach out to the community is affecting farming activities.

Many extension workers have reportedly abandoned their duty stations or take long to respond to farmer’s concerns.

Asuman Masereka, the District Chief Administrative Officer says the extension officers in the district are no longer working. He says the farmers in the district are grappling without extension services which have affected their production rate.

Masereka blames the absence of extension services on laxity among the staff.

Masereka says that he has instructed the head of the production department with his sub-county team to develop quarterly targets before the department’s budgets are approved.

Julius Rukara, the Kasese District Agriculture Officer says that he will meet with extension workers to remind them of their duties.

However, he says some farmers are fond of intentionally downplaying services of extension works even when they have been helpful.

Lt. Col. James Nkojo working with Operation Wealth Creation-OWC says there is a decline in the quality of major farm products from the region which he says the technical people need to address.

Mbabazi Margaret, a local farmer in Kyarumba sub county says she has been in the cocoa business for the last 10 years but has never seen an extension officer in her area. She says many like her are struggling to address the challenges of pests and diseases without technical advice.

Ernest Muhindo, an agricultural officer in Kyarumba sub county however blames farmers for failing to contact extension workers even when they are available in the communities.

Samuel Ssenku who is the Kasese district deputy CAO also blames farmers for not reaching out to the available extension officers in their areas. He says it’s unfortunate that most farmers expect the service providers to visit them in their homes seeking to understand their farming challenges.

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