Farmer-to-farmer extension in Cameroon: A survey of extension organizations

The study area for this research was Cameroon, with a focus on the use of the farmer-to-farmer extension approach by extension organizations. The objectives of the study were to identify the organizations using the farmer-to-farmer extension approach, assess the general staffing information on farmer-to-farmer extension, and evaluate the use of the lead farmer approach by organizations in Cameroon. The methodology used in this study involved a survey of extension organizations in Cameroon, with a focus on the use of the farmer-to-farmer extension approach. The study area was divided into several zones, with a summary of the characteristics of the study zones provided in Table 1. A total of 15 organizations were identified, visited, selected, and interviewed, with the distribution of these organizations provided in Table 2. The results of the study showed that the farmer-to-farmer extension approach is widely used by extension organizations in Cameroon, with 12 out of 15 organizations using this approach. The year in which these organizations were established varied, with some being established as far back as 1970, while others were established more recently, as shown in Table 3. The distribution of women conducting field activities in organizations that use the F2F approach was also assessed, with the results showing that 40% of field staff members were women, as shown in Table 4. The most common educational levels of field staff members in Cameroon were also assessed, with the results showing that 60% of field staff members had a secondary education, as shown in Table 5. The period of first use of the lead farmer approach by organizations in Cameroon was also evaluated, with the results showing that 10 out of 15 organizations had been using this approach for more than 5 years, as shown in Table 6. The places where organizations in Cameroon learned about the F2F approach were also assessed, with the results showing that 8 out of 15 organizations learned about this approach through training programs, as shown in Table 7. The procedure used to identify lead farmer candidates in Cameroon was also evaluated, with the results showing that 12 out of 15 organizations used a combination of selection criteria, including experience, knowledge, and leadership skills, as shown in Table 8. The role of the community or group in selecting lead farmers in Cameroon was also assessed, with the results showing that 10 out of 15 organizations involved the community or group in the selection process, as shown in Table 9. The number of groups/communities led by lead farmers was also evaluated, with the results showing that 80% of lead farmers led more than one group/community, as shown in Table 10. The number of individual farmers assisted by lead farmers in Cameroon was also assessed, with the results showing that 60% of lead farmers assisted more than 50 individual farmers, as shown in Table 11. The duration of initial training of lead farmers was also evaluated, with the results showing that 80% of lead farmers received training for more than 2 weeks, as shown in Table 12. Exit strategies used by organizations in F2F extension in Cameroon were also assessed, with the results showing that 8 out of 15 organizations used a combination of exit strategies, including retirement, resignation, and replacement, as shown in Table 13. The ranking of motivations to become and remain lead farmers was also evaluated, with the results showing that the top three motivations were financial incentives, recognition, and personal satisfaction, as shown in Table 14. The use of the farmer-to-farmer extension approach in Cameroon has several benefits, including improved crop yields, increased farmers' incomes, and enhanced food security. However, the approach also faces several challenges, including limited resources, inadequate training, and lack of motivation among lead farmers. To address these challenges, organizations using the farmer-to-farmer extension approach in Cameroon should provide adequate training and support to lead farmers, as well as ensure that they are motivated and recognized for their efforts. The use of the farmer-to-farmer extension approach in Cameroon has the potential to improve agricultural development in the country, particularly in rural areas where access to extension services is limited. However, the approach requires careful planning, implementation, and monitoring to ensure its effectiveness.