Abstract:
The dwindling government funding of agricultural extension in developing countries and the call on extension
organizations to support farm households’ livelihood security initiatives, has made the practice of pluralistic extension a
realistic option for ensuring efficient and effective use of available resources for extension and sustainable development.
The aim of the study was to understand the key factors that can contribute to successful pluralistic agricultural extension
system in a decentralized policy environment in developing countries for sustainable agricultural development. The
research used a qualitative case study based on a successful district level public agricultural extension organization in
Ghana. Semi-structure interviews, supported with documents and observations, were used for the data collection. The
case study shows that an important factor that can contribute to the success of a local level extension organization is its
ability to coordinate its activities, and collaborate with other stakeholder organizations through the provision of forums,
where organizations from different sectors can interact. Also, by establishing mutually beneficial working relationships
and trust with stakeholder organizations where training of staff and other resources including working materials, funds,
vehicles, and library resources can be exchanged or shared. These relationships can increase extension organization’s
capability to assist farm households in meeting their broader livelihood security needs in a more sustainable manner
