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Approaches, Effects and Challenges of Agricultural Advisory Services

Experienced by the Program for the Improvement of the Competitiveness of
Family Agro-pastoral Farms (ACEFA) in...

Article · July 2017

DOI: 10.9734/AJAEES/2017/35039

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 Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics &
Sociology

18(4): 1-11, 2017; Article no.AJAEES.35039

ISSN: 2320-7027

Approaches, Effects and Challenges of Agricultural

Advisory Services Experienced by the Program for
the Improvement of the Competitiveness of Family
Agro-pastoral Farms (ACEFA) in Dja-et-Lobo
Division (Cameroon)
Guillaume Hensel Fongang Fouepe1*, Michelle Sonkoue Watio2
and Michel Havard3
1
Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology, University of Dschang, Cameroon.
2
Center for Environment and Development, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
3
French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD), Joint Research
Unit “Innovation and Development in Agriculture and Food”, Montpellier, France.

Authors’ contributions

This work was carried out in collaboration with all authors. Author GHFF was the lead researcher.
Author GHFF designed the study in collaboration with authors MSW and MH. Author MSW did the
data collection under author GHFF supervision. Authors GHFF and MH organized the written exercise
of the article and shared it with author MSW. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Article Information

DOI: 10.9734/AJAEES/2017/35039
Editor(s):
(1) Sait Engindeniz, Ege University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Agricultural Economics, Turkey.
Reviewers:
(1) Clement Sohoulande, Texas A & M University, USA.
(2) Muhammad Yaseen, University of Sargodha, Pakistan.
(3) Md. Rezaul Karim, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur, Bangladesh.
Complete Peer review History: http://www.sciencedomain.org/review-history/20263

th
Received 25 June 2017
Accepted 25th July 2017
Original Research Article th
Published 29 July 2017

ABSTRACT

This article examines the agricultural advisory services support package of the program for the
improvement of the Competitiveness of Family Agro-pastoral Farms (ACEFA) and its impacts on
Family Agro-pastoral Farms (EFA) and Producer Groups (PG) in the Dja-et-Lobo Division in the
Southern Region of Cameroon. The study is based on the survey of 143 Family Agro-pastoral
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

*Corresponding author: E-mail: [email protected];

 Fongang et al.; AJAEES, 18(4): 1-11, 2017; Article no.AJAEES.35039

Farms, 19 Advisory Agents with 4 Specialized Advisory Agents (SC), 15 Producer Group Advisory
Agents (CGP), and the Divisional Technical Unit Head (CTD) of the ACEFA program. It is observed
that the agricultural advisory services promoted are done individually and in groups, following a
participatory approach at the demand of EFA officials and members of the PG. The actors involve
face challenges in the implementation and understanding of the promoted approaches, with some
tools that they judged to be too complex. It appears this approach and its tools are not well adapted
to suit the profiles and educational level of many EFA and Advisory Agents. The findings contribute
to the emerging literature on agricultural advisory services and extension program efficiency. It is
suggested that the ACEFA program should adjust its approach and tools to suit the profiles of EFA
members and Advisory Agents.

Keywords: Producer groups; family agro-pastoral farms; agricultural advisory services; participatory
approach; Dja-et-Lobo Division; Cameroon.

1. INTRODUCTION Cameroon. The pilot phase included five of the

ten Regions of the country (North, South, West,
The problem of agricultural development in Sub- South West, and Adamaoua) from 2009 to 2013.
Saharan Africa has been a major discussion Agricultural advisory services promoted by the
among researchers, some of them outlined the ACEFA program, presently the main support
positive effect of agricultural technologies on the program for MINADER and MINEPIA to, claims
food security status [1]. Others focused on to be a different approach from that of
insufficient policies and means. For example the other structures/programs supporting rural
top-down approach of agricultural extension, development such as the National Agricultural
which was the formal method of advisory Extension and Research Program (PNVRA) put
services based on the diffusion of technical in place in Cameroon since 1990. One of the
information was experienced and has shown challenges of the ACEFA program is to see its
many limitations particularly in terms of taking advisory agents and producers take hold of
into account the peasants needs ([2,3,4]). Also, it advisory tools and adapt themselves to the
does not allow the current challenges of approach being promoted. Thus, after the
improving the decision-making capacities of beginning of the implementation of the ACEFA
producers to ensure competitiveness and program in Dja-et-Lobo Division, one wonders
sustainability of their farms ([5]). Therefore, what actually makes this package a distinctive
Ponniah et al. [6] suggest that approaches approach from that of the PNVRA, and how are
oriented towards producer’s responsibility should producers and advisory agents dealing with this
be encouraged. In this perspective, agricultural approach. What effects of the ACEFA program
advisory services as a way to aid in the decision are perceived by farmers in Dja-et-Lobo
and professionalization of EFAs are increasingly Division? To help answer these questions, this
being used by producer support organizations in article reports the results of a critical analysis of
Cameroon. In fact, Havard et al. [7] noted that the agricultural advisory services approach
the agricultural advisory services approach has promoted by the ACEFA program and its impact
been experimented since 1998 by the Regional on producers in Dja-et-Lobo from 2009 to 2011.
Pole of Applied Research for the Development of
Central African Savannahs (PRASAC) in 2. MATERIALS AND METHODS
Northern Cameroon, and since 2005 by the
Cotton Development Company (SODECOTON) With a population of about 173 219 inhabitants
in the same Region. Ngouambé [8] equally and a density of 8.7 inhabitants per km2, Dja-et-
reported that this approach has been Lobo Division in the Southern Region of
experimented since 2006 by the Sustainable Cameroon is the area where the data was
Development Promotion of the South Agricultural collected. Its climate is characterized by an
Research Systems project (DURAS) in Southern average annual rainfall of 1867 mm, and an
Cameroon. Since 2008, the Ministry of average temperature of 24.2°C. The data used in
Agriculture and Rural Development (MINADER) this study were obtained through investigations
and the Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries and by questionnaires with 103 producers randomly
Animal Husbandry (MINEPIA) through the selected through stratified sampling within 61
ACEFA program, are experimenting the producer groups (GP). In addition, focus group
agricultural advisory services approach in discussions were conducted with 40 producers, 5

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producers per producer group thus 8 groups in and the PG following a demand initiated by the
total. In addition, semi-structured interviews were former); ii) characterizing the initial situation and
conducted with the Divisional Technical Unit diagnosis of producer groups iii) elaborating the
Head (CTD); 19 advisory agents amongst which development plans, actions and support (visits,
15 producer group advisory agents (CGP) facilitation of co-management organs, etc.) and
randomly selected from the 20 who made up the finally, iv) establishing participative evaluation
scheme; and 4 Specialized advisory agents (CS). with the PG and the CGP.
The data from the questionnaire were then
analyzed with Microsoft Excel software 2007 and 3.1.3 Tools and methods
SPSS 17 (Statistical Package for the Social
Sciences). Those from semi-directive interviews In the ACEFA program, there is a specific tool
were transcribed and a thematic analysis for each stage of the intervention process:
conducted. the convention sheets, producer group
characterization records, individual technical and
3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION economic specifications of EFA booklets, farm
records, monitoring and visit sheets, and
3.1 The Agricultural Advisory Services evolution of PG. Meanwhile, tools to be used in
and Support Model of the ACEFA the intervention process are not specified at the
Program: What Changes with Regards level of PNVRA, which leads to more
to PNVRA? permissiveness where everyone does what
he/she wants in order to get the expected results.
3.1.1 Organization of the model
3.1.4 Services rendered
The similarities in the organization of the two
models are: the existence of base advisory The services offered by the PNVRA are solely
agents called Area Extension Agent (AVZ) in agricultural advisory services, especially on
PNVRA and CGP in the ACEFA program. The technical and financial aspects of productive
specialized advisory agents and an official have projects. The ACEFA program offers three types
to coordinate activities at the Divisional level. The of agricultural advisory services amongst which:
fundamental difference between the two models (i) technical and economical agricultural advisory
is the existence of co-management organs (Local services to EFA (through the PG) provided by the
Committee of Associations, Divisional Assembly CGP and the CTS, (ii) individual management
of Associations, etc.) as part of ACEFA’s model advisory services (to officials of EFA of
unlike that of PNVRA where they do not exist. reference) provided by the CGE and the CGP,
The Monitoring Committee which follows up the and the organization management advisory
extension activities is not operational. Through services provided by the organization
the co-management organs of the ACEFA management advisory agents (CGO). Moreover,
program, a greater participation of producers is the financing of PNVRA, which was supported by
expected in the definition and implementation of the state budget since 2005 due to the end of the
the advisory services and in the management World Bank’s support, does not favor the
and orientation of the ACEFA program. However, sustainability of its services offered. Further
it is early to ascertain full participation of comparison between the elements of PNVRA
producers in management and in the orientation and ACEFA programs are presented in (Table 1).
of the ACEFA program as 93.2% of farmers are
not aware of the existence of the co- 3.2 Experiences of Agricultural Advisory
management organs including their functions and Services by Advisory Agents and
roles. Farmers
3.1.2 Intervention approach 3.2.1 The Profile of agricultural advisory
agents
Unlike the PNVRA scheme that used a top-down
approach, the implementation of the advisory The personnel of the ACEFA program in the Dja-
services encouraged by ACEFA is done at the et-Lobo Division is made up of about 45% of
demand of the producers through their affiliated advisory agents of age under 45 years, 55% are
organization and is focused on data collection. relatively close to or are of retirement age if we
Generally, the advisory agents follow these steps stick to the fact that, for civil servants belonging
in their intervention approach by i) contracting to the Cameroonian system, the retirement age
(the signing of an agreement between the CGP is 55 years. Moreover, most of them (57%)

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 Fongang et al.; AJAEES, 18(4): 1-11, 2017; Article no.AJAEES.35039

Table 1. Some elements of comparisons between the ACEFA and PNVRA programs
Elements of PNVRA ACEFA
comparism
Training of AVZ Regular training, 2 times per month in No regular training of CGPs
the past and accidentally in the present
Condition of choice Programmed at regional and divisional Programmed at the national,
for training topic for level regional and divisional level and
AVZ by request of CGPs at the
divisional level
Condition of choice Following a participative diagnosis Following a participative
for training topic for with producers done by (AVZ) or done diagnosis with producers done by
producers by any other person commission to do the CGP
it
Activities carried out Centered on the transfer of Centered on management
by advisory agents technological innovation agricultural advisory services
Collection of Not necessary Demands that the producers read
technical and and write
economic data
Training in Demonstration farm to producers Absence of demonstration farms
production approach

had as highest academic level the “General training of the CGP on mastering and
Certificate of Education Ordinary Level » (GCE O appropriating tools and approaches of
Level) or the “Certificat d’Aptitude Primaire” agricultural advisory services, technical issues
(CAP) with most of them being all CGPs. In related to production were generally not treated
addition, 43% of advisory agents had a high in the framework of this training. Besides, the
school certificate or university degree; they are activities of CGP were much more about
either CGPs or CS. On the other hand, 37% of structuring the PG (collection of information
advisory agents said they have been in the which can help CGP to follow the stages of
producer support service for over 20 years, while ACEFA agricultural advisory services approach).
31% have been there for less than 10 years. In addition, the observations made during
Having used an interventionist approach in the investigations were that the CGPs of less than 45
framework of extension for a long time, the years emphasized on activities in relation to
transition to a participatory approach as management agricultural advisory services and
advocated by the ACEFA program has are involved in supporting PG in the development
represented a real challenge for a majority of the of gainful projects. Meanwhile, CGP of over 45
advisory agents. years focused more on technical agricultural
advisory services consisting of field visits to the
3.2.2 The activities of advisory agents producers and an assessment of difficulties
faced in adapting themselves to management
The activities of advisory agents varied tools. (Table 2) provides an exhaustive list of
depending on whether it was a CS or a CGP. agricultural advisory services activities as
While the CS activities are primarily related to the outlined by the ACEFA program.
Table 2. Agricultural advisory services activities

Advisory agents Activities carried out

Technical advisory agents Supports of CGPs through the development of technical
specialize in plant production specification for cassava maize tomato, watermelon,
(CTSPV) establishment and management of nurseries, oil palm,
cocoyam, fertilizers, COCOA conditioning. In total 15
specifications were developed by the CTSPV;
Support CGP through practical orientation of PG cultures (pure
cultures, profitable association, row planting);
Deep diagnosis in EFA of the observatory;
Training in relation to the agricultural advisory services

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 Fongang et al.; AJAEES, 18(4): 1-11, 2017; Article no.AJAEES.35039

Advisory agents Activities carried out

approach and tools to be used;
Individual delivery of results to the EFA of the observatory;
Identification of system pathways to be improved.
Technical advisory agents Supports of CGPs through the development of technical
specialized in animal production specification for rearing of pigs, chickens, design ponds and
(CTSPA) hatchery… in total 5 specifications) development of projects for
rearing of pigs, chicken;
Training in relation to the agricultural advisory services
approach and tools to be used;
Individual delivery of results to the EFA of the observatory;
Identification of system pathways to be improved;
Development of projects (pigs, chicken).
Farm management advisory Support to CGP on the deep diagnosis of EFAs;
agent (CGE)
Deep diagnosis in EFA of the observatory;
Adaptation and provision of farm notebooks administered on
the field;
Follow-up of collection of information in the notebook;
Analysis of the results found on the farm notebooks using the
TOPAZE software program which allows us to carry out
economic calculations related to the farm (revenues, expenses,
margins, stock value at the beginning and end of the year;
Individual delivery of results to the EFA of the observatory;
Identification of system pathways to be improved.
CGO Support to CGP through trainings (diagnosis, development and
management of projects).
CGP Signing agreements with PG partners;
Filling of four collective sheets on community life and
management of PG, services rendered to the members by the
PG and the synthesis of farm systems of EFA who are
members of the PG and a techno-economical individual record
permitting to know the annual income of each farmer resulting
from activities related to agricultural production;
Diagnosis during which the strength and weakness of the PG
are identified;
Elaboration in a participative way with the members of the PG
an annual development plan on the basis of information gotten
from the diagnosis;
Support in the development of projects;
Support: it is the follow up of the PGs activities through the
visits in PG and farms. During which advisory agents provide
technical and economic advice following the program
elaborated in the action plan to be submitted to individual
agricultural advisory services by the CS;
Choice of EFA must be part of the observatory;
Support officials of the EFA in individual agricultural advisory
services as to how to fill their management notebooks.

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3.2.3 Producers involved (campaign and budget plan. However, most

officials of EFA considered the designing of the
75% women and 25% of men make-up the PG cash budget to be complex and rather directed to
followed by the agricultural advisory services - those responsible for the office of PG (delegate,
support package of the ACEFA program; most of secretary and treasurer).
their ages range between 40 and 50 years. 80%
of actors supported by the ACEFA program were 3.3 Limiting Factors to Adaptation to the
mainly involved in crop production. However, it is Agricultural Advisory Services
important to note that, in most PG, there is no Approach
common activity for members. Furthermore, 70%
of the producers had as highest certificate the 3.3.1 Limiting factors for farmers
first school leaving Certificate (FSLC); 16%
declared that they have never been to school. These factors are multiple and include the
Yet, Djamen et al. [9] outline that the producer’s interest for technical advice at the
implementation and success of agricultural expense of economic advice, where advisory
advisory services requires that producers should agents put more emphasis. There is much
be well educated. paperwork to be done according to the
beneficiaries. A producer told us “the ACEFA
Looking at the profile of the producers supported program is chiefly about paper work, schooling,
by the ACEFA program, we may wonder if the notebooks, sheets ...” Indeed, the producers
agricultural advisory services promoted by with the support of the CGP, took part in filling
ACEFA, which aims at bringing the producer to the numerous sheets amongst which the
direct their choices in their farms while characterization sheet as well as the initial
depending on data collection, technical and situation and the evolving sheet; each having
economic analysis of data, could produce more than 25 pages. Finally, there is the taking
convincing results and meet the expectations of notes. Indeed, although producers were
placed by the decision and policy makers in supported by advisory agents in filling the farm
charge of agricultural development. data sheets, it was the producer who must
produce all the information needed in the forms.
3.2.4 Participation and achievements of It was then a difficult activity for most producers.
producers in the advisory support However, as Djamen et al. [9] noted, taking down
approach notes is important in the council because it would
be difficult to have a reliable diagnosis and
The agricultural advisory services approach prescribe appropriate advice in the absence of
promoted encourages the active participation of quantitative and accurate data. This raises once
officials of EFA in the package. Thus, 63% of again the issue of an adequate profile of the
these have already had to fill the farm sheets and producer.
participated in the implementation of the
characterization and diagnosis of farms with 3.3.2 Limiting factors for advisory agents
CGP. Furthermore, 90% of EFA officials
surveyed deemed it is beneficial combining About advisory agents, 93% of CGP surveyed
individual agricultural advisory services approach said they had difficulties in meeting some of their
and group used by advisory agents. This allowed functions. These difficulties are linked to four
them to address questions not covered during factors: age of the advisory agents, their initial
group working sessions and during individual training and level of education, the number of
working sessions. Moreover, due to advisory advisory agents and frequency of working
agents, 87% of EFA officials said they gained sessions with producer groups.
new knowledge. More specifically, it is
knowledge on record keeping and diagnosis and 3.3.2.1 The age of advisory agents
monitoring of farm documentation (49% in the
case of crop production systems and 58% for Indeed, it was found that CGPs above 45 years
animal production). In addition, 73% of old (55%), having worked for a long time
respondents claim to have gained knowledge on following the training and visit approach, had
simple arithmetic calculations, drafting of the difficulties mostly related to the use of data
cash budget, calculations of the cash balance, collection tools and analysis of technical-
gross margins and profits and drafting of a economic data. The latter judged the new
balance sheet and forecast documents approach to be more complex than that

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employed in the past. Incidentally, one of the taken into account in the drafting of the action
advisory agents said: plan concerning PG in connection with the
activities they have limited mastery. This raises
"I do not understand the calculation of the question of the effectiveness of the device in
margins." For another, "I am asked to use a place and to the ability of advisory agents to
GPS to localize the PG; meanwhile I struggle meet the expectations of producers in terms of
to get by with my telephone." Still for another technical advice. However, the situation is less
"My real problem is that there are too many pathetic in CGP having an agricultural technician;
documents, sheets, new and very long the latter being more flexible and having less
sheets which needs to be updated it's difficulty in adapting to the specificities of EFA. It
painful, I'm tired." is thus easier to find an agricultural technician
CGP supervising a livestock project than to
These observations followed those of [10] who find a CGP specialist in animal production
discovered that it was already very difficult or accompanying a PG in achieving plant
impossible for an extension agent who practiced production activities.
the (top-down) approach for years to be able to
work towards the changes necessary to move to The CGP having the highest school certificate
the agricultural advisory services approach. This was a GCE O level diploma (57% of CGP), they
raised once again the issue of an adequate had enormous difficulties in describing what their
profile of the advisory agents. Although the work as advisory agents is made of in the
ACEFA program recruitment logic, which process of the agricultural advisory services
mostly employs civil servants is appreciated approach. Once more, if they were not able to
especially by public authorities, it must be describe what their own work is made of, how
said that it is also one of the main weaknesses of can they explain to others, the work they should
the program: ageing advisory agents, their do. Moreover, the tools available to advisory
extensive experience with top-down approaches agents seemed to be too complex with
and their holding of multiple administrative posts regards to their profile; causing an advisory
show not conducive to their successful agents to say: "I myself have an old A
involvement in agricultural advisory services level that does not leave me, what more those
activities. with only an O level." From then, the success of
agricultural advisory services activities require a
3.3.2.2 Vocational training and educational careful selection of advisory agents, taking into
attainment account their academic background and past
professional experiences, to ensure their
It is found that in 52.5% of CGP specialized in multidisciplinary approach so that they should be
animal production, over 70% of them have able to meet the various expectations of
difficulties in satisfying their PG and EFA. This is producers.
because they have difficulties to articulate the
overall farm approach, and tend to guide the 3.3.2.3 The number and geographical
activities of producers to animal production. arrangement of PG by CGP
Incidentally, an advisory agent said: "I am a
veterinary nurse, and I know nothing about In connection to the operation area of a CGP,
implanting an oil palm nursery. Specialists are in it was found that the CGPs whose PG were
Sangmélima for this purpose. So, let them come at a close range (less than 100 km) faced
and train the producers as it is not the job of the little problems to animate their Local
CGP. As far as I am concerned, record keeping Management Committee (CLG), conducting 2
and taking notes are among the items I can bring to 3 visits per month to work with PG. Meanwhile,
in to serve the PG. I can also provide them the CGP with PG which were far and located
information in connection with my technical skills in various subdivisions performed one visit
as a veterinary nurse to help them transfer these per month. On the other hand, the CGP
skills in raising livestock. " having few PG (6 to 8) had a good mastery
of the activities of their PG and even had
For another CGP the question was asked, have knowledge about the activities of some EFA in
you made technical support in relation to crop their PG, which is not the case with those having
production in your PG? He said, "What am I 11 to 15 PG. The advisory agents therefore
doing in PV (crop production), I'm an aquaculture tended to be more effective in their actions when
specialist." Very often, advisory agents are not they cover a small geographic area and do not

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 Fongang et al.; AJAEES, 18(4): 1-11, 2017; Article no.AJAEES.35039

supervise a large number of PG. This is technical plan; management and production of
due to the inadequate resources put at their EFA, community life, and services provided by
disposal. PGs to their members.

3.3.2.4 Frequency of work between a CGP and 3.4.1 On the technical plan
a CS
The effects of agricultural advisory services on
The analysis shows that for 33.34% of CGP the technical plan are perceived by 25% of
regularly working with specialized advisory producers (Table 3) and mainly concern the
agents (CTSPA, CGO, CGE and CTSPV), adoption of new production techniques for the
complaints formulated by producers during purposes of improving the productivity and
investigations are rare. In fact, these CGPs competitiveness of EFA. However, these results
through technical sheets developed by remained insufficient compared to those of
specialized advisory agents solved technical [11] who noted that with the experience
problems when they do not have an immediate of the association for the development of
solution in PG where producers had expressed agricultural farms in the Center (ADEAC) in
needs. The performance of the agricultural Akonolinga, in which after two years of
advisory services being promoted therefore implementation of family farm agricultural
partly depends on the level of collaboration advisory services, close to 90% of producers
between advisory agents; it allowed the sharing have adopted the new cultural practices
of their knowledge and know-how for more (development of pure culture, etc.) and noted an
efficiency in supporting PG. improvement of the technical and economic
performance of their farms. Improvements are
3.4 Effects of Agricultural Advisory therefore possible for technical agricultural
Services advisory services. Therefore, it is essential that
diagnosis be made at the base and that
The effects of the agricultural advisory services adequate measures are taken to increase the
promoted by ACEFA were noticeable on: the effects on the technical plan.

Table 3. Technical effects of the agricultural advisory services approach of the ACEFA
program

Domain concern by Change observed % of respondents

change who mentioned
Change in terms of Construction of concrete building for rearing in 17,5
conduct with pig rearing, replacement of buildings with local materials;
chicken and fishery Replacement of local pig breeds by selected
breeds (large white);
Construction of fishponds while respecting
norms.
Change in crop production Introduction of row and column sowing 25 ,2
techniques and harvest Introduction of cocoa and cassava varieties
obtained from research;
Establishment of plots with pure crops (maize,
cassava, cocoyam, etc.);
Introduction of fertilizer (NPK, Urea) for the
cultivation of corn;
Disease and pest control techniques for the
cultivation of cocoa Cacao (suckering, chemical
control Lindane, Endosulfan);
Introduction of a method for fermentation of
Cocoa according to the number of days and the
fermentation process recommended (8 days)
Introduction of mixed cropping of cocoa with
plantain.

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3.4.2 Effects of agricultural advisory services producers on issues related to their production.
on economic management and farm Similarly, for 83.2%, agricultural advisory
production services permit them to restructure their PG.
These restructuring are shown by: the
The effects of agricultural advisory services with modification of the PG’s status; the development
regards to the management of farms and of new internal regulations and the minutes after
increase in production were analyzed in terms of meetings. Furthermore, for 76.2% of producers,
adoption of handling of the registrar and the arrival of the advisor helped to empower
documents in a PG or an EFA, the collection and members of the group who became more active.
analysis of technical and economic data of the Furthermore, agricultural advisory services
PG or the EFA and the forecasts in the beginning fostered collective action within producer groups.
of the season. It appears that since they are This is how, 95.8% of producers are now ready
monitored by advisory agents, 57% of the to contribute to the establishment of experimental
producers have collected data from their farms plots. Similarly, they engaged in other activities
concerning: expenses incurred and the quantities (Table 4).
produced, consumed and sold. Those who have
not collected these data justified this by the In addition, the arrival of the advisory agent has
complexity of collection sheets put at their sometimes resulted in a change in the number of
disposals. In as much as the filling of these forms members in some PG. 48.3% of respondents
required a certain level of intellect and makes noted in their PG a reduction in the number of
use of calculation of which few people master. members. This reduction for most would be
Incidentally, one of the interviewees said: "It is related to the fact that producers eagerly waiting
painful, it is for young people who are still in for funding are discouraged, one of them said,
school we cannot do this anymore." The profile "we have had enough advise, when will all these
of producers being trained therefore constitutes be materialized." However, 5.6% of respondents
an element that must be taken into account in the noted an increase in the number of members in
designing of working tools of advisory services their PG. An increase generally observed at the
because if not, the impact of agricultural advisory beginning of the collaboration with their advisory
services can be greatly reduced. Furthermore, agents while expectations are still very high.
58% of respondents acknowledged a significant
increase in their yields. Moreover, thanks to 3.5 Experiences of Agricultural Advisory
management agricultural advisory services, 44% Services by Advisory Agents and
are now able to achieve economic calculations Farmers
(calculation of profits, etc.). In relation to the
effects of farm management agricultural advisory The analysis of the strengths and weaknesses
services, a respondent revealed that "Before, I of the agricultural advisory services
sold a kilogram of fish at 700 FCFA and package implemented in the Dja-et-Lobo by
sometimes I did not measure before selling, but ACEFA program has permitted us to address
since the advisory agent led me to take records, I (Table 5).
write everything I spend and this has permitted
me with the estimates made by my advisory Table 5. Effects of agricultural advisory
agent to fix the selling price of a kilogram services in the establishment of collective
between 1000 and 1200 FCFA.” These action
observations were in line with those of [10] who
noticed that, among the peasants who Common activities to Percentage
participated in the management advice tests, members of the GP (%)
these are the same words that come, "we do not
do things anyhow again, and we have the will to
Production (group working of 42%
do well, before we were in darkness…"
members or community farms)
Group buying, sales and 43,4%
3.4.3 Effects of agricultural advisory services
purchase
on community life and services rendered
Forecasting in the beginning of 42%
by PG to members
the season
Joint management of 41,3%
For 97.2% of the producers, agricultural advisory
equipment and infrastructure
services permit them to interact with other

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 Fongang et al.; AJAEES, 18(4): 1-11, 2017; Article no.AJAEES.35039

Table 6. Strength and weakness of the agricultural advisory services - Support device of
ACEFA program

Strengths Weaknesses
The overall farm approach and restitution Low frequency of training of advisory agents.
workshops that permits EFA to orientate
decisions on their farms.
The making available of tools of data collection, Focus placed on management agricultural
analysis and synthesis to advisors. advisory services at the expense of technical
advice.
Offers two services to producers: technical and Weak collaboration between CGP and CS not
economic advice and financing allowing discovery of producers’ difficulties.
Bulky documents and tools are not adapted to
the diversified profiles of producers and
advisory agents.
Complexity of the procedure to access finance.

4. CONCLUSION advisory agents and peasants. The advisory

agent in many cases is considered to be the
The Agro-pastoral Family Farm officials (EFA) cornerstone of the system, as it is the basis for
and the program for the Improvement of the the success of the advisory system approach.
Competitiveness of Family Agro-pastoral Farms ACEFA program has to reinforce the capacities
(ACEFA) express interest in the new agricultural of advisory agents so that they master all the
advisory service promoted. However, they component of the approach promoted. For
face difficulties in the implementation and Hémidy and Cerf [12], three generic indicators
understanding of the approach and some tools, are to be taken into account for the success of
especially documents on data collection of their innovation in the framework of an advisory
farms, which they considered too complicated. A system: methodological design and
complexity perceived primarily from the fact that instrumentation, skills development and
the required profiles are not adapted to some organizational transformation. ACEFA program
agricultural advisory agents displaying a has to adapt its methodologies and tool to the
relatively low level of education. Furthermore, the profiles of advisory agents and farmers. The new
analysis of the effects of agricultural advisory approach promoted by the ACEFA program
services revealed that if the impact of agricultural seems to be bearing fruit, and Ndassi's work in
advisory services on farm management and 2010 [13], shows that this new support system
community life of the PG was significant, such satisfies almost all (98.2%) of the beneficiaries,
impact is less on the technical side. One way to with the integration of the management
improve the future performance of the promoted component in their training which would
agricultural advisory services package is through enabled them to improve the way they manage
adapting the approach and agricultural advisory the farms. The management agricultural
services tools to suit the diversified profiles of the advisory services which have been experimented
EFA officials and advisors. Furthermore, an for the last 20 years in French-speaking Africa
additional emphasis should be placed on would not have only positive impacts, but to
activities related to capacity building of advisory some extent could have negative impacts on
agents and officials of EFA on the approach and farms.
tools of the mew agricultural advisory service.
Also, the program should improve synergies COMPETING INTERESTS
between agricultural advisory services and the
financing of gainful projects of PG. Authors have declared that no competing
interests exist.
According to Havard et al. [7], the success of the
agricultural advisory services rests on trust ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
between the actors involved in the advisory
system. One of the fundamental factors that can The authors acknowledge ACEFA Program who
ensure the success of the agricultural advisory facilitated data collection and gave advice on the
services is therefore the relationship between methodology.

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 Fongang et al.; AJAEES, 18(4): 1-11, 2017; Article no.AJAEES.35039

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