COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT IN NATIONAL AGRICULTURE AND LIVESTOCK EXTENSION PROGRAMME: THE CASE OF CHUKA DIVISION, MERU SOUTH DISTRICT IN KENYA

Abstract

The study assessed the level of community engagement in an agriculture extension programme called National Agriculture and Livestock Extension Program (NALEP) in Chuka Division, Meru South District, Eastern Kenya. It focused on the community’s knowledge of the programme, their participation and evaluation of the programme, including their suggestions for improving it. The total population for the study was 3840 farm families, with 2040 and 1800 farm families from Mugwe and Gitareni Locations (focal areas), respectively. Each Location was divided into 4 blocks as per the design for the implementation of NALEP. Simple random sampling method was used to obtain one block from each of the two Locations. The pre-tested questionnaires were then administered systematically at every 25^th home in a block. This resulted in 20 questionnaires in each of the two Locations. Three focus group interviews were conducted; two in Gitareni and one in Mugwe. Quantitatively and qualitatively analysis of data with emphasis on descriptive analysis was done. The two communities were engaged in the programme and that only a small proportion (15%) of the participants had low engagement. The engagement was across all occupations, age and gender. The main reason given for participation was to improve their farms (82% and 74%, respectively). The organizational structure in the community affected participation. There was no significant difference in the level of engagement of the two communities. There is need to design training programmes to suit the needs of the people with flexible modes of engagement other than a ‘one size fits all’ approach. There is also a need for stakeholders to work collaboratively.