Towards an appropriate system of agricultural extension for Samoa

181 Pages·2009·9.25 MB·English

by  Faletoi Tuilaepa Suavi

Lincoln University Digital Thesis 

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thesis.
TOWARDS AN APPROPRIATE SYSTEM OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION
FOR SAMOA
A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of
Agricultural Science
at Lincoln University
by
Faletoi Tuilaepa Suavi
Lincoln University
1998
11
Abstract of a thesis submitted in partial fulrIlment of the requirements for the Degree
of Master of Agr. Sci.
TOWARDS AN APPROPRIATE SYSTEM OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION
FOR SAMOA
By F.T.Suavi.
The purpose of this research is to detennine an appropriate system of agricultural extension
to improve the services to Samoan farmers within the framework of government economic
rationalisation policies. Policy makers and farmers' perceptions and past experiences with
the MAFFM's extension services are examined to detennine the socio-economic impact of
agricultural extension on local communities. Village communities used in the case study
(Siufaga and SamalaeuluJrom Savaii Island, Malaemalu and Taelefaga from Upolu Island)
are involved in a variety of extension systems (T & V system and FSD approach) and price
supporting schemes (bonus scheme and subsidies) provided by the government through the
MAFFM. Siufaga village had been selected as a pilot area during the AusAID Farming
System Project to promote the FSD approach. While the other three village communities
are also involved in the FSD approach, adopting the PLA technique, a modified PRA
technique, to counter the high expectations of village people.
An integrated qualitative approach including the Survey Approach for policy makers, and
the Case Study Approach (adopting the RRAlPRA techniques) for village communities
was used to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. Data was analysed using a "Time
Series" analysis to investigate the trends in budgetary allocations to MAFFM and
Extension Division in the past decades. The results are presented in the "Chronological
Structure" to study the past, present and future trends in agricultural extension experienced
by farmers and policy makers in Samoa. The "Comparative Methodology" analysis is also
used to allow policy makers to compare the MAFFM's extension service with other
countries' public extension restructuring and privatization.
The results of this investigation suggest that Samoan rural communities require the policy
makers to consider all factors influencing technology adoption if the extension service is to
. 'be socially, economically, ecologically and fmancially sustainable. The results suggest that
the MAFFM's extension service could be the major extension provider but there are other
alternative extension systems for Samoa. This is consistent with the government policy of
promoting the leading role Qfthe private sector in economic development while allocating
and utilising its limited budgetary resources more efficiently. The results also indicate that
the PRA procedure, as outlined in this paper, is a suitable applied framework for assessing
rural community development needs. This process makes it possible to monitor and
evaluate the impacts of extension and allow a full participation of local communities in
democratic consultations and negotiations at all levels.
The main implication of these results is that the MAFFM's extension function needs to be
restructured to meet the new government policy of improving the efficiency and
accountability within the public sector, and of allocating and utilising its limited budgetary
resources more efficiently. Coincidentally, the adoption of other alternative extension
systems should be explored and all price supporting schemes should be abolished to reduce
its budget deficit and accumulated foreign debts. Restructuring is needed to ensure that the
Community Development Approach adopting PRA procedures to participatory rural
development is prioritised. This would ensure that all members of rural communities,
government agencies, non-governmental organisations, input suppliers, funding agencies
and private companies fully participate in consultations and dialogue to achieve sustainable
community development. Asa consequence, complementary extension services can be
established. For instance, the government role has to concentrate on policy making, human
resource development, social and environmental issues, and provide an extension service to
small scale farmers in rural areas, whilst the private sector should deal with semi
subsistence and commercial farmers.
KeyWords:
Extension, Privatisation, Commercialisation, Gender Analysis, Participatory Approach,
Community Development, Cost Recovery, Comparative Methodology, Chronological
Structure, Time Series Analysis, Macroeconomic Restructuring and Reform, Samoa.
111
Acknowledgements
This study would not have been possible without substantial contribution of the following
people and institutions.
Many thanks go to the people of Siufaga, Samalaeulu, Malaemalu and Taelefaga villages
and policy makers as well as many others who aided my research.
My gratitude is extended to the people of New Zealand, through the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs and Trade (MFAT) for considerable financial support through the NZODA
Scholarship which was critical during this endeavour.
Special thanks go to Steward. F. Pittaway who acted as my supervisor, but also provided
unforgettable support, guidance and advice through the various stages of this document. I
would also like to thank Mandy Cahn and Dr Peter L Nuthall, who acted as my assistant
supervisors. Thanks to Dr Sandra Martin for her advice on selection of the research
methodology,
Many thanks for valuable assistance was provided by officials from the Government of
Samoa (Ministry of Agriculture, Forests, Fisheries and Meteorology; Ministry of Internal
Affairs; Ministry of Women Affairs; Public Service Commission; Treasury Department),
non-government organisations, funding agencies and private companies especially the
Extension Division's staff.
Last but not least, I wish to thank my wife Telesia and children Suavi, Malifa and Oliloto.
To my parents, sisters, brothers and my whole family, thanks for your prayer and
wonderful support while pursuing my study overseas. Without your comprehensive
support and love, this nightmare would never have become a reality. This thesis is
dedicated to my lovely father, Tuilaepa Suavi who has died in March 1996.
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Contents
Page
Abstract ii
Acknowledgements iii
Map of Samoa iv
Contents v
List of Tables vi
List of Figures vii
Abbreviations and Acronyms viii
Chapter 1 Introduction
1.1 Introduction 1
1.2 Research Problem and Justification 1
1.3 Research Objecti ves 3
1.4 Organization of Thesis 4
Chapter 2 Samoa's Agricultural Sector 5
2.1 Introduction 5
2.2 Physical and Demographic Characteristics, Population and Emigration 5
2.3 Government and Economy 6
2.3.1 Economic Structure and Performance 8
2.3.2 Economic Recovery 8
2.3.3 Government Receipts and Expenditure 9
2.4 Land Ownership 10
2.5 Agricultural Sector 10
2.5.1 Agricultural Extension 11
2.5.2 Agricultural Inputs 15
2.5.3 Agricultural Credit 16
2.6 Strategies for Economic Reform and Restructuring 17
2.6.1 Sector Priorities 18
2.6.2 Public Sector Efficiency 18
2.6.3 Private Sector Development 18
2.6.4 Human Resource Development 19
2.6.5 Environment 19
2.6.6 Development Prospects 19
2.7 Chapter Summary 19
Chapter 3 Literature Review 21
3.1 Introduction 21
3.2 The History and Development of Agricultural Extension 21
3.2.1 Role of Agricultural Extension in Agricultural Development 22
3.2.2 History and Development of Diffusion/Adoption of Innovation 23
3.2.3 Importance of Diffusion and Adoption of Innovation 24
3.3 Effective Agricultural Extension 27
3.3.1 Strong Policy Commitment 27
3.3.2 Adequate Infrastructure 27
3.3.3 Appropriate Extension Approaches and Programmes 28
3.3.4 Appropriate Extension Methods 28
3.3.5 Appropriate Training Materials 29
3.3.6 Education and Training 29
3.3.7 Strategies for Reaching Women Farmers 29
3.3.8 Monitoring and Evaluation of Extension Programme 29
3.4 Top-Down Approaches to Agricultural Extension 30
3.4.1 General Agricultural Extension Approach 30
3.4.2 Integrated Rural Development Project (IRDP) Approach 31
3.4.3 Training and Visits (T & V) Approach 32
3.4.4 Lessons Learned From the Past Experiences 35
3.5 Bottom-Up Approaches to Agricultural Extension 35
3.5.1 Farming Systems Development (FSD) Approach 36
3.5.2 Community Development (CD) Approach 38
3.6 Women and Extension 42
3.6.1 Women in Development (WID) Approach 42
3.6.2 Gender Sensitive Approach (GSA) 43
3.7 Public vs Private 44
3.8 Sectoral Participation in Agricultural Extension Systems 47
3.8.1 Public Cost Recovery Systems 47
3.8.2 Private Extension Systems 48
3.8.3 Impact of Privatized Extension Services 50
3.8.4 Lessons Learned From Privatization 50
3.8.5 Conclusion 51
3.9 Chapter Summary 52
Chapter 4 Research Methodology 53
4.1 Introduction 53
4.2 Theoretical Concept and Research Methodology 53
4.2.1 Survey Approach 54
4.2.2 Case Study Approach 55
4.3 Research Tools 58
4.3.1 Exploratory Stage 58
4.3.2 Profiling Stage 59
4.3.3 Interview with Officials 61
4.4 Research Techniques 62
'".
4.4.1 Site and Sample Selection 62
4.4.2 Pilot Study 63
4.4.3 PRA Procedure for Village Case Study 64
4.4.4 Data Analysis 66
4.4.5 Limitations, Strengths and Research Bias 67
4.5 Chapter Summary 68
Chapter 5 Research Results 69
5.1 Introduction 69
5.2 Perceptions of Policy makers 69
5.2.1 Efficiency of the MAFFM's Extension Service 69
5.2.2 Alternative Systems of Agricultural Extension 70
5.2.3 Promotion of Private Extension 71
5.2.4 Privatisation of ASC and Elimination of Subsidies 72
5.2.5 Development of Commercial Agriculture 73
5.3 Impact on Four Village Development 74
5.3.1 Siufaga Village: Case Study 1 74
5.3.1.1 Agricultural Commercialisation 75
5.3.1.2 Crop Diversification and Sustainable Farming Systems 76
5.3.1.3 Increased Livestock Production 77
5.3.1.4 Community Development 77
5.3 .1.5 Revival of Traditional, Cultural and Religious Values 78
5.3.1.6 Higher Household Income 78
5.3.1.7 Farmers' Self-Reliance and Education 79
5.3.1.8 Women and Agricultural Activities 79
5.3.2 Identification of Factors Influencing the Technology Adoption 80
5.3.2.1 Land Shortage and Ownership 80
5.3.2.2 Socio-economic and Development Level 81
5.3.2.3 Market Availability and Characteristics 81
5.3.2.4 Community Participation 82
5.3.2.5 Availability of Adequate Resources & EO's Accountability 83
5.3.3 Summary 83
5.4.1 Samalaeulu Village: Case study 2 84
5.4.1.1 Agricultural Production and Food Security 84
5.4.1.2 Soil Conservation and Cost-Effective Farming Systems 85
5.4.1.3 Community Development 85
5.4.1.4 Altemati ve Sources of Income 86
5.4.1.5 Community Involvement 87
5.4.1.6 Status of Women 87
5.4.2 Identification of Factors Influencing the Technology Adoption 88
5.4.2.1 Land Dispute and Ownership 88
5.4.2.2 Samoan Way of Life "Collective System" 88
5.4.2.3 Market Characteristics and Socioeconomic Development Level 88
5.4.2.4 Transport and Marketing 89
5.4.2.5 Community Participation and EO's Accountability 89
5.4.3 Summary 90
5.5.1 Malaemalu Villa~e: Case Study 3 91
5.5.1.1 Lower Agricultural Development 91
5.5.1.2 Sustainable Traditional Farming System 92
5.5.1.3 Community Development 92
5.5.1.4 Employment Opportunities, Revival of Christian Faith and Cultural
Values 93
5.5.2 Identification of Factors Influencing the Technology Adoption 94
5.5.2.1 New Access Road Scheme 94
5.5.2.2 Socio-economic Development Level and Business Profi1e 94