A Review on Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Agricultural Extension Services in Adapting to Climate Change among Subsistence Farmers

Abstract

The effectiveness of agricultural extension services in facilitating climate change adaptation among subsistence farmers, assessing their impact on agricultural productivity and sustainability. Agricultural extension services are pivotal for disseminating knowledge and innovative practices among farmers, essential for adjusting to and mitigating the impacts of climate change. The review highlights several successful regional interventions, such as the adoption of drought-resistant crops and water-efficient technologies, and provides a comparative analysis of various approaches to illustrate differing regional needs and outcomes. Despite these successes, significant challenges remain. Resource constraints, both financial and human, severely limit the reach and effectiveness of these services. Socio-cultural factors, including resistance to change and gender disparities, further inhibit the adoption of new practices. Additionally, policy and institutional barriers, such as inadequate frameworks and poor stakeholder coordination, complicate the effective delivery of services. To address these issues, the review suggests tailored, location-specific solutions that consider local climate threats and cultural practices, and calls for an increase in the capacity of extension agents through enhanced training and resources. Policy recommendations focus on strengthening support mechanisms for subsistence farmers and refining policy interventions to better support extension frameworks. The review identifies significant research gaps, particularly in the integration of traditional knowledge with modern techniques and the long-term impacts of extension services, which require further exploration to develop more effective adaptation strategies. Overall, while agricultural extension services have made notable strides in assisting farmers to adapt to climate change, substantial improvements and sustained efforts are needed to fully realize their potential in securing India's agricultural productivity against the backdrop of an increasingly unpredictable climate.