Participatory Agricultural Extension Methods and Their Perceived Benefits Among Smallholder Farmers in Nkomazi, South Africa

Abstract

Participatory agricultural extension approaches are increasingly promoted as a means of enhancing smallholder farmers’ knowledge, decision-making capacity, and food security, both globally and across Africa. This study examined the socio-economic characteristics of smallholder farmers and assessed the types, usefulness, and perceived benefits of participatory extension methods in Nkomazi, South Africa. A quantitative survey was conducted among 39 smallholder farmers in Nkomazi area. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze farmers’ socio-economic characteristics, household conditions, and experiences with extension services. The results indicate that most participants were older farmers, with low levels of formal education and relatively large household sizes. Local operatives were identified as the primary providers of extension services, with farm visits and group discussions being the most used extension methods. Most farmers perceived extension services as useful and reported benefits such as improved farming practices, better decision making, increased yields, and enhanced food security. The article concludes with a recommendation that farmers should adopt participatory extension approaches to strengthen rural livelihoods and household food security.

Res. Agric. Livest. Fish. Vol. 13, No. 1, April 2026: 31-39