Contribution of Fiscal Decentralisation on Agricultural Extension Service Delivery in Busiu Sub-County in Mbale District.

Abstract

MUTUWA MABONGA REGINAH (2008-03 MA-PTR-068)

Contribution of Fiscal Decentralisation on Agricultural Extension Service Delivery in Busiu Sub-County in Mbale District

Fiscal decentralisation is a recent system of governance with a multi sectoral approach. This study sought to assess the contribution of fiscal decentralisation on agricultural extension service delivery in Busiu sub-county in Mbale district. The study adopted a case study research design in which questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect data from officers and staff in the Agriculture Department; local council leaders and farmers in the area of study. The results of the study indicate that majority (92%) of the respondents disagreed that farmers participate in the decision-making process of issues concerning agricultural extension services. The findings further indicated that the majority (88%) of the respondents disagreed that fiscal decentralisation has contributed towards provision of advisory and information services to the farmers in Busiu sub-county. The findings also indicate that there are several challenges that hinder effective implementation agricultural extension service delivery and these include inconsistent release of funds, lack of transparency and failure to involve farmers. The major conclusion of the study was that fiscal decentralisation has had a low contribution towards farmer participation in decision-making on issues of agricultural extension services delivery in Busiu sub-county of Mbale district. The study recommends among other things, that policy makers and administrators in agriculture at various levels should critically plan for capacity building of the members of farmer groups to help them manage and implement programmes in their jurisdiction in a systematic manner. Key words: Decentralisation, Decentralization, Extension, Agricultural, Service