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AUTHOR(S): Wycliffe Ongachi, Ivy Belinder
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ABSTRACT With the current pressing issue of climate variability and policy change, a more robust extension system is considered as a constructive way to diversify livelihood of rural farming families. An increase in agricultural productivity has a ripple effect on rural economy; to provide of employment opportunities and to supply labor surplus for industrial and service sectors. However, this enhanced productivity is poised decline due to emerging threats such as pests, diseases and climate change. This decline has got serious implications on livelihood diversification strategies and food security which is likely to undermine full realization of global call for zero poverty among third world countries. Hence, the current review paper examines the transformative nature of agricultural extension in diversifying the portfolio of economic activities and social capital of small and marginalized farming families. It does this by selecting both conventional and non-conventional documents including original research and review articles published between 2010 and 2024. On poverty reduction, this paper underscores the importance of diversification approaches towards improving the living conditions of the farming communities by increasing their income and reducing risks related to animal and crop failure. It concludes that when agricultural productivity is high, more of the rural people tend to engage in non-agricultural activities for income generation. Hence, urgent need re-structure and strengthen extension coordination units with all players along various value chains included to secure sustainable livelihood behavior. |
KEYWORDS Agricultural extension, livelihood, economic activities, diversification, sustainability and third world counties |
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Cite this paper Wycliffe Ongachi, Ivy Belinder. (2025) Is Farming Income Sufficient? The Role of Agricultural Extension in Diversifying Smallholder Livelihoods for Sustainable Development. International Journal of Agricultural Science, 10, 1-9 |
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