Extension education and sustainable food security : farmers perceptions from Molemole Municipality, Limpopo

Abstract

Sustainable food security remains a critical challenge for smallholder farmers in rural South Africa, particularly in the Molemole Local Municipality of the Limpopo Province, where agriculture is the primary source of livelihood. Despite numerous initiatives, many farmers continue to rely on conventional practices that compromise long-term ecological resilience. Agricultural extension education provides a mechanism to improve farmers’ knowledge, decision-making, and adoption of sustainable practices. However, its effectiveness depends on farmers’ perceptions of relevance, accessibility, and credibility. The study was conducted to investigate the impact of extension education programs on sustainable food security among smallholder farmers in Molemole Local Municipality, Limpopo, South Africa. Objectives were: (i) to determine the socio-economic characteristics of smallholder farmers, (ii) to assess the contribution of extension education to their understanding of sustainable agriculture, (iii) to investigate challenges limiting sustainable food production, and (iv) to evaluate farmers’ perceptions of extension effectiveness. A mixed-methods approach was employed. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 80 smallholder farmers. Data were collected using structured questionnaires. Quantitative data was analysed using Descriptive Statistics, Pearson correlation, Binary Probit Regression and Likert Scale IBM SPSS version 27.1. Qualitative data was analysed using thematic content analysis.Findings revealed that education levels amongst smallholder farmers are generally low with many farmers earning below R4,000 per month. Extension education was perceived as useful and increased awareness and adoption of several sustainable methods, yet only 11% maintained practices beyond two years. Its effectiveness influenced by factors such as accessibility, irregular support, inadequate resources, and financial constraints.The study concludes that farmers need extension education to provide more support and follow-up. Farmers are willing to adopt sustainable practices, however need programmes that address their financial and resource limitations. Recommendations include strengthening extension services through increased extension personnel, implementingmobile advisory and demonstration services, providing targeted training on conservation agriculture and climate-smart practices, improving access to markets and agricultural inputs, and encouraging the formation of farmer cooperatives to enhance resource sharing and collective learning. Policy frameworks should also prioritize inclusive, gender-sensitive approaches to ensure all farmers benefit from sustainable agricultural initiatives.