University Extension and Local Agricultural Transformation: Farmers’ Experiences with Far Western University’s School of Agriculture, Tikapur

Abstract

University-led agricultural extension is supposed to link academic knowledge with farmers’ needs but there is still little data on its efficacy at the field level. This study analyzes how School of Agriculture at Far Western University (FWU–SoA) interacts with the farmers and evaluates the relationship between its extension programs and livelihood outcomes and technology adoption. Primary data were collected from 100 farmers affiliated with cooperatives within Tikapur Municipality. Socio-demographic factors, awareness, involvement, and perceived outcomes of university-led agricultural extension programs were assessed using descriptive statistics and Spearman’s rank order correlations. Most participants were middle aged, had education, and farmed 0.5^–1 hectare of land. Results showed poor FWU–SoA awareness (47%) and involvement (27%) due to limited institutional outreach and engagement. Only 12% received regular technical assistance, and 77% did not receive agricultural technologies from the university. Technical assistance had no statistically significant correlations (p >.05) with technology adoption, productivity, or income change, demonstrating FWU-SoA’s extension programs had no direct impact on agricultural outcomes. However, farmers strongly agreed (M = 4.22) that the university should work more with local communities and that it might make Tikapur a regional agricultural hub (M = 3.84). Farmers most frequently prioritized training (36%) and input support (30%), followed by marketing support (23%) and research collaboration (11%) as preferred areas of support from FWU–SoA. According to these findings, the institutional presence of FWU-SoA has not yet resulted in a consistent field impact. As a result, FWU-SoA should enhance farmer-centered, participatory, and ICT-enabled extension through targeted training, frequent follow-up, and technology/input support that is in line with farmers’ priorities.