Sessional Paper No. 04 of 2011 on National Agricultural Sector Extension Policy (NASEP)

Abstract

The agricultural sector provides a livelihood for about 80 percent of Kenya's population, most of whom are subsistence farmers in rural areas. The sector contributes about 24 per cent to the GDP and another 27 per cent indirectly through sector economic linkages; it accounts for 65 per cent of the country's export earnings. The Government, therefore, emphasizes on stimulating growth in the sector as outlined in the Agricultural Sector Development Strategy 2010-2020 (ASDS). A well-functioning agricultural extension service operated by the public and private sectors is one of the critical inputs required for increased agricultural productivity to transform subsistence farming into modern and commercial farming, attain food security, improve incomes and reduce poverty. It is, therefore, important to ensure that agricultural extension services are adequately funded, well coordinated and regulated. Effective linkages between extension service providers (ESPs) and other stakeholders involved in technology development and provision of facilitating factors are essential. Historically, the country has used various extension management systems with varying degrees of success. These included whole farm extension approach, integrated agricultural development approach, and training and visit approach.