AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICES: ARE THESE BARRIERS OR OPPORTUNITIES FOR SMALL-SCALE SUBSISTENCE CROP PRODUCTION IN THE ERA OF CLIMATE CHANGE?

Abstract

The livelihoods of smallholder farmers in semi-arid regions are being threatened by climate change and variability. The combination of rising temperatures and less rainfall poses a significant challenge to crop productivity and food security for these farmers. Consequently, the implementation of agricultural extension services is regarded as a more effective approach to bolstering small-scale agricultural productivity. This review describes the contributions made by agricultural extension officers in assisting small-scale farmers, as well as an examination of the obstacles and potential avenues for enhancing subsistence crop production in the context of climate change in Limpopo Province, South Africa. A comprehensive selection of literature was examined, and a deductive coding methodology was employed to analyse the literature. The results of the study reveal that agricultural extension support given to small-scale farmers, specifically climate information and training on alternate ways of crop production, is an opportunity crucial for adapting to and managing the challenges posed by fluctuating temperatures and rainfall patterns. These services offer the potential for enhanced food production. The farmers use both extension services and their indigenous adaptation practices simultaneously. This review proposes a novel strategy for mitigating the adverse effects of climate change on subsistence crop production; the integration of conventional and contemporary production technology and expertise offered by agricultural extension officers to formulate a pertinent and well-received policy for climate change adaptation, with the aim of ensuring food availability and accessibility.

Keywords

• agricultural extension service
• small-scale farmer
• climate change
• climate resilience
• climate adaptation