Extension Services and Agricultural Crop Production in Gicumbi District of Northern Province of Rwanda

ABSTRACT This research dealt with the Extension Services and agricultural crop production in Gicumbi district of Northern Province of Rwanda~ The main research objective was to assess the effectiveness of extension services on Rwandan farmers’ crop production and the unique null hypothesis was that there is no significant relationship within Extension Services and crop production of farmers in Rwanda. The research design was Descriptive Design through a survey from 120 farmers (60 females and 60 males) drown out of 6 Cooperatives namely Dufitubusha ke, Icyerekezo, Impuya ki, Kojya ki, Kundisuka and Rwanyubukene, respectively from Cyumba, Rukomo, Kaniga, Byumba, Miyove and Nyankenke Sectors. Respondents were selected at random using probability sampling and simple stratified random sampling was used to get an equal representation of men and women among surveyed farmers~ Quantitative and qualitative data were gathered through questionnaire type closed-ended questions for farmers and open-ended questions to guide focus group discussions with extension service agents at sector leveL Means of different variables (dependent and independent) computed using Excel showed weaknesses or gaps in all cases with some strengthS On trainings methodology, results showed a very deep gap in area of using FFS approach. Training materials were also a challenge where farmers cannot access soil protection and fertility materials, pest control materials. In addition, farmers do not access inputs such as tools, fertilizers and agricultural loans.