In Nigeria, agriculture is a driver of economic diversification, a tool for poverty reduction, and a key to food security. But for the average smallholder farmer, these lofty visions often feel distant, overshadowed by the daily struggles of erratic weather, outdated practices, and unreliable information. 

The core issue? There is a persistent disconnect between agricultural policy and the people it serves.

Extension services are supposed to bridge this gap, translating innovations into practical application at the farm level. However, extension delivery has been fragmented, top-down, and largely ineffective in Nigeria for decades.

Too often, extension agents are unavailable, ill-equipped, or disconnected from the realities of local farming communities. This has resulted in underperformance across critical areas such as crop yield, climate resilience, and market access.

The National Agricultural Extension Policy (NAEP), officially launched on November 6, 2023, aims to reform Nigeria’s fragmented extension system. This policy initiativeemerged in response to decades of inconsistent funding, poorcoordination, and limited technological integration in service delivery to farmers. 

The policy seeks to institutionalise a revitalised, demand-driven, pluralistic, ICT-enabled, and market-oriented agricultural extension system. It is designed to effectively serve all stakeholders,  including youths, women, and people with special needs.  The goal is to promote the optimal use of resources for sustainable agriculture and socio-economic development in the nation.

Historical Context and Rationale for Reform

The extension service industry in Nigeria had long been undermined by:

• The erosion of public sector support: Following structural adjustment programmes and fiscal constraints, many state governments deprioritised extension services, leading to chronic underfunding and staff attrition.
• Weak linkages between research institutions and farmers: Innovations and research outputs seldom reached the farmers due to disconnects in communication and application. 
• Limited access to modern agricultural knowledge by rural dwellers: Most rural farmers continued to rely on traditional techniques, which were often outdated and inefficient. 

This created a vacuum that the NAEP seeks to address. By recognising extension as a fundamental pillar in the agricultural value chain, the policy aligns with broader national objectives such as food security, rural development, and economic diversification.

Key Features of NAEP

1. Pluralistic extension system

NAEP proposes a shift from a monolithic, top-down delivery system to a pluralistic model. This model accommodates multiple service providers, including:

• Government agencies: Such as state agricultural development programmes (ADPs), serve as traditional public extension vehicles.
• Non-governmental organisations (NGOs): Often focused on grassroots and community-based development.
• Private companies: Especially agro-input suppliers offering technical advice as a value-added service.
• Research institutions: That generate evidence-based practices for transfer.
• Farmer-based organisations: Encouraging peer learning and participatory technology development.

2. Demand-driven approach

The policy emphasises responsiveness to farmers’ needs, tailored to Nigeria’s varying ecological zones and socio-economic realities. This approach promotes:

• Locally relevant interventions: Ensuring solutions are fit-for-purpose rather than generic.
• Farmer empowerment in decision-making: Farmers are viewed not as passive recipients but as active partners.
• Efficient resource allocation: Interventions are prioritised based on actual demand rather than assumptions.

3. Human capital development in the extension sector

To enhance extension delivery, NAEP proposes:

• Robust training and certification programmes: To equip agents with technical, communication, and ICT skills.
• Competitive remuneration packages: Aimed at motivating staff and attracting young professionals.
• Defined career progression paths: Professionalising the field and offering long-term prospects.

These measures aim to professionalise extension services and attract young, competent personnel.

4. Inclusivity: Gender and youth integration

The policy takes a progressive stance by identifying women and youth as pivotal actors. Specific strategies include:

• Gender-sensitive training content: Addressing the unique roles and constraints faced by women farmers.
• Youth-led agribusiness support: Facilitating access to finance, mentorship, and incubation hubs.
• Custom extension packages for marginalised groups: Catering to persons with disabilities and other underserved populations.

This inclusive focus enhances equity and sustainability in agricultural transformation.

5. Leveraging ICT for scalable extension

Digital tools are key enablers of the NAEP. Proposed ICT strategies include:

• Mobile-based advisory platforms: Delivering timely updates on weather, pests, and prices.
• Agricultural radio broadcasts: Expanding reach in low-literacy areas.
• Interactive SMS and web portals: Allowing two-way communication between farmers and experts.

However, these are constrained by the digital divide:

• Low rural digital literacy: Many farmers lack the skills to use tech-based solutions.
• Limited internet infrastructure: Especially in remote and underserved areas.
• High cost of mobile data: Reducing accessibility for low-income users.

Bridging this gap requires parallel investments in digital inclusion.

6. Monitoring, evaluation, and accountability

An integral part of NAEP is its Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) framework. Key components include:

• Performance benchmarks: Clearly defined indicators to track results.
• Feedback loops for policy adjustment: Allowing flexibility in implementation.
• Data collection and analytics systems: Supporting evidence-based decision-making.

In practice, Nigeria’s M&E culture remains weak. A shift towards data-driven governance is necessary for implementing adaptive policies.

Challenges and Limitations to Nigeria’s National Agricultural Extension Policy (NAEP)

Governance Challenges and Legal Considerations

The federal structure of Nigeria presents significant coordination challenges. These include:

• State-level autonomy over agricultural policies: Leading to variation in commitment, funding, and implementation.
• Bureaucratic inertia: Slow administrative processes that delay policy rollout.
• Overlapping mandates of ministries and departments: Causing confusion and duplication of effort.

From a legal standpoint, the policy intersects with:

• Land tenure systems: Extension interventions may be limited without secure land rights.
• Environmental and labour laws: Governing sustainable farming practices and worker protection.
• ICT regulations: Particularly those related to data privacy in digital extension

Without legal harmonisation and decentralisation, the risk of institutional redundancy remains high.

Economic Implications and Funding Dynamics

NAEP rightly identifies that agricultural productivity hinges on human capital development. Extension workers are viewed as:

• Facilitators of innovation and technology: Translating complex scientific knowledge into practical applications.
• Connectors to markets and services: Linking farmers to input providers, off-takers, and financiers.
• Catalysts for behavioural change: Encouraging adoption of improved techniques and risk management.

However, the policy’s ambitious goals require sustained funding. It proposes a blended financing model:

• Public-private partnerships (PPPs): Leveraging business expertise and capital.
• Donor support: Harnessing technical and financial resources from development partners.
• Community-based contributions: Encouraging local ownership and co-investment.

Yet, the absence of enforceable budgetary commitments weakens the long-term financial viability of the extension reforms.

Implications for Smallholder Farmers

Smallholder farmers stand to benefit most from NAEP’s effective implementation. Potential gains include:

• Climate-resilient agricultural practices: Improved training on drought-resistant seeds and water conservation.
• Timely market and pricing information: Enhancing decision-making and reducing losses. 
• Pest and disease management support: Minimising yield losses and safeguarding food security.
• Access to financial and insurance services: Helping farmers manage risks and expand operations.

However, local ownership and community engagement are essential to actualise these benefits.

The Role of International Institutions and Academia

Community-based structures and research institutions must be integrated into extension delivery. Their roles include:

• Cultural mediation and farmer mobilisation (traditional leaders): Facilitating trust and adopting new practices.
• Evidence-based knowledge transfer (academia): Ensuring interventions are rooted in sound science.
• Field-oriented training and outreach (colleges and universities): Bridging theory and practice through experiential learning.

Strengthening these linkages ensures continuity and relevance of extension practices.

The National Agricultural Extension Policy is a commendable blueprint with transformative potential. It embodies decentralisation, inclusivity, and innovation. However, the policy’s effectiveness will hinge on how well it navigates Nigeria’s complex political economy. Effective implementation requires coordination and establishing sustainable legal and financial structures that outlive shifts in political leadership.

In addition, it is important for all stakeholders, from national policymakers to local communities, to actively participate in both execution and feedback. For policymakers, the challenge is to move beyond rhetoric and turn commitments into actionable steps that produce real change. 

For extension agents, success will be measured by their ability to build trust, provide relevant solutions, and deliver tangible results on the ground. For farmers, professionals, and students, the NAEP offers a hopeful, though demanding, opportunity to shape a more resilient and prosperous future for Agriculture in Nigeria.