Experts Push for Youth and Women-Led Digital Extension Services in Agriculture

Key Highlights

• Experts call for digital transformation of agricultural extension services.
• Women and youth identified as central to driving farm-based enterprises.
• AFAAS, AGRA, ADS, and government leaders push for policy-backed, tech-enabled advisory models.

Empowering women and youth through extension services can transform agriculture into a profitable and sustainable enterprise, experts have said.

Speaking during the 3rd National Agricultural Extension Symposium in Nairobi, Dr. Lillian Lihasi, Executive Director of the African Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (AFAAS), emphasized that agricultural extension must evolve with emerging technologies.

“It is time to come together and get a solution that is responsive to farmers, women, and young people, and this is by engaging them in extension and advisory services,” she said, noting that digital tools are key to reaching more farmers effectively.

Dr. Lihasi highlighted the limited number of extension officers, urging greater involvement of youth in digital advisory services.

“We have to leverage the potential of young people; they are faster, dynamic, and innovative. Investing in them means we are way ahead in extension and advisory service,” she added.

Olosula Adeyemo, Lead for Sustainable Farming, Distribution, and Youth in Extension at the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), echoed this, noting that youth and women are central to their initiatives.

He cited a partnership with the Mastercard Foundation aimed at creating meaningful work opportunities for youth in extension through technology and policy engagement.

“The community-based advisory model is one way for young people to enter into a private sector-led extension system. They are quickly trained, equipped with digital tools, and linked to farmers and input suppliers while earning income,” Adeyemo said.

Barbara Mwaura, representing ADS, added that youth and women are increasingly engaged in extension through capacity building.

She highlighted renewable energy projects such as solar and biogas, where young technicians are being trained at Kabete National Polytechnic to support farmers with clean energy solutions.

Leonard Kubok, Director of Crop Resource Management at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, reaffirmed government support.

He said the Kenya Agricultural Sector Extension Policy (KASEP) 2023 provides a framework for modern, demand-driven extension that leverages technology and harmonizes service delivery.

“These interventions will enhance agricultural extension standards and ensure farmers benefit from responsive, technology-driven services,” Kubok said.