Nebbi farmers decry limited support from field extension workers
NEBBI, June 26, 2025 –– Farmers in Nebbi district have voiced frustration over the limited support provided by agricultural field extension workers, saying the lack of consistent engagement is hindering their progress.
The concerns were raised during a farmers’ agricultural trade show held from Tuesday to Wednesday in Nebbi Municipality. Farmers used the platform to call on the government to prioritise agriculture and provide greater support through a strengthened extension system.
Farmers lamented that they are often left to manage on their own, with minimal access to modern farming technologies and advisory services that are crucial to improving productivity. They stressed that on-farm training sessions, which should be conducted by extension workers, are either irregular or completely lacking.
Paul Onenarach, one of the farmers, said the absence of regular training has left many farmers stuck with traditional practices and low-yielding seed varieties.
“Farmers are fixated on traditional methods because no one is guiding them on modern approaches,” Onenarach said. The event aimed to promote market linkages and access to value-added local products.
Emmanuel Ongeitho, the Assistant Animal Husbandry Officer for Nebbi Municipality, said the trade shows are meant to facilitate the exchange of information between farmers and development partners.
He acknowledged that the shortage of extension workers has created a significant information gap.
“Most farmers are unaware of current market demands due to limited access to information, which should be delivered during on-farm training sessions. Unfortunately, the small number of extension workers means these crucial services are often missing,” Ongeitho explained.
He further highlighted the issue of poor post-harvest handling, noting that many Ugandan farm products are rejected on the international market due to inadequate advisory services and premature or insufficient training by extension workers.
Bosco Okwai, the LCIII Chairperson of Ndhew Sub-county, echoed the concerns, stating that the limited number of extension workers has rendered them nearly ineffective in the community.
“Farmers have resorted to using outdated methods because extension workers are virtually absent,” Okwai said. “In response, many farmers’ groups are taking it upon themselves to train each other, often with the support of development partners.”
Okwai added that approximately 60 percent of local farmers are still dependent on traditional methods.
He urged the government to introduce parish-level extension workers to address challenges more effectively at the grassroots level, challenges that sub-county extension workers have struggled to manage due to limited coverage.
A shortage of agricultural extension workers can lead to reduced on-farm production, limited access to new technologies and knowledge, and decreased farmer participation in training and demonstration activities. This can negatively impact agricultural development, food security, and the overall livelihoods of farmers.
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