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Effect of Agricultural Extension on Farmers’ Adoption of Farm-to-Market Tracking Practices

Abstract

The study examines the effect of agricultural extension on farmers’ adoption of farm-to-market tracking practices. Farm-to-market tracking practices involve monitoring and documenting the movement of agricultural produce from the point of production to markets and other destinations. These practices can support better traceability, produce management, record keeping, accountability, and coordination throughout the agricultural value chain. Agricultural extension can provide farmers with relevant information, technical guidance, and practical knowledge needed to understand and apply farm-to-market tracking practices effectively. The study will assess the nature and extent of agricultural extension support available to farmers in relation to farm-to-market tracking practices. It will specifically examine farmers’ exposure to extension education, advisory visits, demonstrations, training, and information on produce movement and tracking. The study will also assess the level of farmers’ adoption of farm-to-market tracking practices and identify the major challenges that may influence their ability to apply such practices. A descriptive survey research design will be adopted for the study. The population will comprise farmers in the selected study area, from whom respondents will be selected using an appropriate sampling procedure. Data will be collected through structured questionnaires designed to obtain information on farmers’ access to agricultural extension, knowledge, and adoption of farm-to-market tracking practices. The data collected will be analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages, means, and standard deviation, while appropriate inferential statistical techniques will be used to determine the effect of agricultural extension on farmers’ adoption of the practices. The study is expected to reveal that farmers with greater access to agricultural extension support will demonstrate higher levels of adoption of farm-to-market tracking practices. Extension education, practical demonstrations, regular farm visits, and advisory services are expected to improve farmers’ understanding of how to document produce movement, monitor destinations, and maintain relevant tracking information. However, inadequate extension coverage, limited record-keeping skills, poor access to tracking tools, financial constraints, and limited technological knowledge may restrict adoption among some farmers. The findings will provide useful information to agricultural extension personnel, policymakers, agricultural development agencies, farmers’ organizations, produce marketers, and other stakeholders involved in agricultural value-chain development. The study is expected to highlight the importance of strengthening extension programmes that provide practical guidance on produce tracking, documentation, transportation, and marketing. Improved tracking practices may help farmers maintain better records, monitor produce movement, reduce losses, improve accountability, and strengthen relationships with buyers and markets. The study will conclude that agricultural extension can contribute to improved adoption of farm-to-market tracking practices among farmers. It will recommend increased extension education, practical demonstrations, regular advisory visits, simplified tracking procedures, and improved access to appropriate tracking tools. Strengthening farmers’ capacity to monitor and document the movement of produce from farms to markets is expected to contribute to improved traceability, accountability, marketing efficiency, and agricultural value-chain management.

Keywords: Agricultural extension, farmers, farm-to-market tracking, tracking practices, produce movement, agricultural produce, traceability, farm records, produce monitoring, agricultural marketing, extension education, value chain, record keeping, market access, agricultural management.