Performance of non-governmental organisations in agricultural extension service delivery in the Upper West region of Ghana

Abstract

The general objective of this study was to examine the performance of NGOs in extension service delivery in the Upper West Region of Ghana. The study therefore assessed the performance of 5 NGOs in 5 districts in agricultural extension delivery in the Upper West Region of Ghana. A descriptive survey design was used to collect data from 200 farmers and 30staff of NGOs. Descriptive statistics and t-test analysis were used to summarise and compare the perception of farmers and staff on the performance of agricultural NGOs. The study revealed that NGOs tend to focus on young, female, and small scale farmers. Most of the staff of NGOs were males and low in academic qualification. Significantly, farmers and staff of NGOs differed in opinion on the level of NGOs effectiveness and efficiency in delivery of extension although both perceived NGOs to provide effective and moderately efficient extension service. Moreover, the study identified poor access to land, short term NGOs support, inadequate trained and qualified extension field staff and poor partnership as constraints affecting NGOs performance. The study recommends that NGOs should facilitate the acquisition of land for women and young farmers. Furthermore, regular in-service training should be provided to improve the technical knowledge and skills of staff of NGOs.