Browsing by Author "CHIKOMBA, Patrick"

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    Investigating the effectiveness of Coordination Mechanisms among Stakeholders in Agricultural Extension in Katete District of Eastern Province, Zambia.
    (University of Lusaka, 2025) CHIKOMBA, Patrick
    The purpose of the study sought to understand and establish the effectiveness of the coordination mechanisms of stakeholders involved in agriculture extension service in Katete district. The study employed descriptive survey research design. Target population was a total of 219 respondents which comprised of 3 senior agriculture extension staff, 16 senior representatives of the private sector, 50 extension officers and 150 Agricultural Farmer Community Volunteers. Purposive sampling was employed to select respondents with knowledge and experience working in the extension service. The study was guided by the following objectives: to establish the existing coordination mechanisms among stakeholders in the delivery of AES in Katete district, to establish the effectiveness of the stakeholder coordination mechanisms in place are in the delivery of AES to the farmers within Katete district and to identify the key challenges experienced by stakeholders in the coordination of extension delivery in Katete district. With regard to existing coordination mechanisms, the study established that there was the presence of mechanisms in the extension service for coordination of stakeholders. Data from interview underwent thematic content analysis to extract key themes, issues, and narratives and excel was used to generate the figures. However, it evidently established that the mechanism revolved around joint meetings and workshops. About 46.7% and 32.1% of the respondents felt the mechanisms were ineffective and effective respectively. Based on the in-depth interviews with key informants, the study deduced that funding, inadequate technical capacity, lack of clear operational framework for guidance and absence of the coordination structure among others were challenges noted. Limited use of ICT posed a challenge for information sharing. The study recommends that the coordination mechanisms be designed to integrate activities at all levels, use of ICT and M&E to ensure information sharing and development and strengthen a clear operational framework to ensure active participation of all stakeholders and facilitate the harmonization and alignment of intervention to avoid duplication of activities and conflicting extension service messages to the farmers.