Towards a national policy on extension for agriculture, forestry and fisheries

1. Towards a national policy on extension for agriculture, forestry and fisheries Overview of research led policy dialogue and formulation: September 2012

2. Background • DAFF is embarking on a process of creating a national policy on extension and advisory services, which among other things, will consider • alternative extension methodologies, • possible alternative institutional arrangements for providing extension services (including the ‘public/private mix’ in the overall extension system) • the creation of a professional body to help advance the extension profession • (DAFF Strategic Plan 2012-2016: 4)

3. Background • The Ford Foundation has awarded Phuhlisani a grant to facilitate the development of policy with: • The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) • The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) • Provincial Departments of Agriculture • Other relevant government departments - DRDLR • Key role players in the agriculture, forestry and fisheries sectors • Organised agriculture, fisheries and forestry • Private sector, NGOs, CBOs, • Smallholder farmers, fishers, forestry enterprises

4. Our task • To develop a draft policy framework on extension and advisory services in consultation with the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF), nationally and provincially together with key agriculture, forestry and fisheries stakeholders. • To facilitate policy dialogue between public sector officials, private sector actors, NGOs and organisations representing producers in the agriculture, forestry and fisheries sectors.

5. The pivotal role of the Provinces • Extension practitioners are based in the provinces • Deep knowledge of local conditions and particular challenges • Link to local agriculture, forestry and fisheries stakeholders for consultative processes • Provincial support for and involvement in the policy development process is essential

6. Project phasing High level implementation plan Extension status quo International trends Policy options Extension and advisory services policy approved by DEXCO Reports of F2F and online dialogue on policy options Stakeholder engagement online and f2f

7. Phuhlisani core team

8. Subject specialists

9. Promoting research led policy dialogue • Key objective is to engage diverse range of stakeholders in the policy dialogue and formulation process • Agriculture • Forestry • Fisheries

10. Background research • International trends in extension • In depth overview of global extension trends • Country case studies on Brazil, China, Denmark, Ethiopia, India, Kenya and Malawi • The state of extension in South Africa • History of the evolution of extension in South Africa • Analysis of post 1994 trends and issues • Studies on forestry and fisheries and current extension functions/needs

11. Summary discussion paper • Captures key issues from international and local research studies • Identifies policy questions and options for South African policy dialogue

12. Recognising diverse interests to be accommodated in policy dialogue Development agencies Universities Research institutes Agricultural colleges SETAs Climate, environment, disaster risk

13. Online engagement strategy Low cost media campaigns Emails to stakeholders Data base of 1400 individuals and organisations Twitter alerts, Bulk SMS Raising the media profile Dedicated website www.extensionpolicy.za.net. Public front page with article comment function Registration required to comment on policy options and participate in online discussions

14. Dedicated websitewww.extensionpolicy.za.net • Website is regularly updated with news and events relating to the policy development process. • It includes public front page: • Extension opinion pieces with comment function • Documents and research outputs which can be downloaded • Links to key resources on extension • Members area for online discussion on key issues relating to extension policy and practice

15. Twitter stream Phuhlisani is making use of Twitter to publicise events and draw people to the website Encouraging public dialogue Twitter handle @ExtensionPolicy

16. Provincial policy dialogue workshops Provincial policy dialogue workshops

17. Policy dialogue workshop agenda • One day workshops will: • Provide brief background to the policy development process • Review international trends in extension • Discuss lessons for South Africa • Review the state of extension in South Africa and discuss key questions • What should be the future role of the public sector extension service in South Africa? • What should be the priority focus of extension in the agriculture, forestry and fisheries sectors? • What role should the private sector, NGOs and producer organisations play in providing extension and advisory services? • What will extension and advisory services look like in 2030?

18. Documenting provincial policy dialogue workshops • All workshops will be documented • Reports will be made available through the website • Workshops will help shape policy agenda and identify key issues which policy must address

19. Draft policy development • Based on the research reviews and the policy dialogue workshops Phuhlisani will develop a draft policy • This will circulated for comment from all stakeholders • A policy document which incorporates revisions will be presented to DEXCO for discussion and approval

20. How the provinces can help • Inform and involve all extension staff • Encourage them to participate in online and face to face policy dialogue • Select key officials to participate in provincial workshops • Help publicise the process with key provincial stakeholders • Organised agriculture, NGOs, smallholder farmers, land reform beneficiaries, municipalities etc • Assist Phuhlisani to identify local stakeholders and ensure that provincial workshops are well attended • Assign a senior management official to monitor and support the policy dialogue and development process

21. Thank you