Local government ministry tasks production officers on evaluating extension services
The directive was issued by Ben Kumumanya, who emphasised that production officers play a central role in improving livelihoods through increased agricultural productivity and better enterprise selection.
The Ministry of Local Government has directed District Production Officers across the country to assess the impact of government interventions in agricultural extension services, as part of efforts to drive socio-economic transformation.
The directive was issued by the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Local Government, Ben Kumumanya, who emphasised that production officers play a central role in improving livelihoods through increased agricultural productivity and better enterprise selection.
Kumumanya urged the officers to take a more proactive approach in engaging communities, positioning themselves as key government focal persons in guiding agricultural interventions at the grassroots level.
“Do not wait for communities to come looking for you. You must go to them and ensure services reach the people,” he said.
He noted that strengthening agricultural extension services is critical to boosting productivity and supporting the successful implementation of the Parish Development Model (PDM), particularly under its first pillar, which focuses on production, storage, processing, and marketing.
The call came during a one-day meeting convened on March 21, 2026, at Hotel Africana, bringing together District, City, and Municipal Production and Veterinary Officers to address key challenges affecting service delivery in local governments.
Key issues discussed included improving the reach and effectiveness of extension services, controlling livestock diseases such as Foot and Mouth Disease, and enhancing coordination in agricultural programmes at the local level.
Officials at the meeting stressed that effective extension services remain vital in equipping farmers with the knowledge and skills needed to adopt modern farming practices, increase yields, and transition from subsistence to commercial agriculture.
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to strengthening local government systems to ensure that agricultural interventions translate into tangible improvements in household incomes and national development.
