National Agricultural Advisory Services Programme

The programme was designed to fill the need for a demand-driven agricultural advisory service for poor farmers. It introduced an innovative partnership that involves the government, public institutions, civil society and the private sector in providing a crucial service to producers. The programme provides a stepping stone for farmers’ groups and associations that enables them to move into commercial production and become part of the commodity value chain.

The goal is to make rural livelihoods more secure, and to achieve sustainable improvements in agricultural productivity and household incomes. Activities focus on providing advisory and information services, testing technology and developing market linkages.

The programme has been successful in establishing an advisory service that works on a national scale, and in mobilizing farmers’ groups and organizations. It has involved technical teams, including established extension workers and local governments, in planning and implementation. The programme has also effectively decentralized implementation of its activities to the local government level.

Source: IFAD