I have had
opportunity to listen to some Radio Programmes on CBS 88.8 FM regarding
improving agricultural productivity, hence fighting poverty and enhancing food
security. However, to me, this is like
uncoordinated traffic movement!
Presenters at the station seem to have liberty to sample people they
think can make a contribution to improved agriculture; however, many of these
may have concepts that may not help our people.
I have heard one such tell listeners that he cannot advise one to
cultivate what he/she cannot eat and sell to his/her neighbor.
My advice to the
Buganda Government is to undertake Agriculture in a more practical way. This may be done when the Ministry of
Agriculture comes up with a comprehensive approach to Agriculture
development. Then, have audience with
the Presenters and guide them on who can help disseminate useful information
via the radio media, then at the same time come up slowly with structures at
the ground of the extension officers.
These are the people who are best qualified to handle innovations by the
agricultural players.
Today, the
Government of Buganda is giving Coffee seedlings, but without the extension
officers, chances of such innovation may not be that successful. If these seedlings are handed over to an
extension officer who has touch with the people, and can follow their work,
then positive results can be expected.
In the face of much reduced public expenditure, extension services
in sub-Saharan Africa have a daunting challenge: farmers' need for information
is as high as ever, but the resources to provide it are meagre at best. Agricultural extension is no longer just
about improving yields and producing food - the bottom line is to make money.
That is a necessary concept if large numbers of subsistence farmers have to
break out of poverty
No comments:
Post a Comment