Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD9) Official Side Event Webinar Scaling Agricultural Extension in Africa amid Emerging Technologies and Global Aid Shifts

In recent years, agricultural extension services have gained renewed importance in Africa. This resurgence is driven not only by concerns over declining agricultural productivity—linked to climate change, limited market access, and rising agro-input costs—but also by the need to create formal and informal employment opportunities, particularly for youth and women. When well-implemented, extension services serve as a critical enabler of farm productivity, value chain integration, and income generation across the agricultural sector.
However, traditional extension models often fall short of addressing the complex, interconnected challenges that smallholder farmers face today. They typically emphasize one-way knowledge transfer, neglecting the broader ecosystem that shapes farmer livelihoods—including market dynamics, financial access, and social empowerment.

A Demographic Imperative Africa’s population is rapidly growing, with over 60% under the age of 25—the youngest population in the world. By 2050, this youth cohort is projected to double. At the same time, unemployment—especially among youth—remains alarmingly high, underscoring the urgent need to build inclusive and sustainable agricultural systems that can absorb and empower this demographic. Women, too, continue to face barriers to participation in agriculture, including limited access to land, finance, inputs, and extension services. Ensuring that youth and women are at the center of extension strategies is critical for driving both equity and growth.The concept of Multidimensional Agricultural Extension offers a forward-thinking alternative. It encompasses innovative models that go beyond traditional knowledge dissemination to integrate: Market access and agribusiness development, Financial services and inclusion, Climate-smart and regenerative practices, Digital tools and emerging technologies, and Empowerment and leadership of women and youth. This side event will explore such models—grounded in field-level practice—across diverse socio-economic and agro-ecological contexts in Africa.
Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), mobile platforms, and other digital innovations are poised to transform the reach and efficiency of extension services. Though still in early stages in many rural African settings, these tools can support: Personalized advisory services, Real-time data collection and decision-making, Wider dissemination of agricultural knowledge, and Improved feedback loops between farmers and service providers. When combined with human-centered approaches, digital tools can strengthen extension outcomes without replacing the relational role of local facilitators.

The global development assistance landscape is evolving, with notable institutional shifts such as the realignment of donor priorities and restructuring of agencies like USAID. These changes reflect a move toward locally-led, innovation-driven development models that are less reliant on traditional external aid. This moment presents an opportunity—and a necessity—to build resilient extension systems, grounded in strong local leadership, diverse partnerships, and sustainable financing models.
Across Africa, practical examples illustrate how multidimensional extension models can enhance both productivity and employment. One such model is the use of Commercial Community-Based Facilitators (CCBFs)—local actors who serve as agro-dealers, trainers, and knowledge hubs within their communities. These facilitators improve farmers’ access to inputs, offer training on safe agrochemical use, and promote productivity-enhancing technologies. While not intended to replace public extension systems, CCBFs are often: More cost-effective, using local resources, Better tailored to community needs, and scalable and sustainable, due to strong local ownership. They represent a complementary mechanism that can extend the reach and relevance of public services—especially in remote or underserved regions. Their work can be further enhanced through AI and digital decision-support tools.
This event aims to catalyze dialogue on transforming agricultural extension in Africa through models that are: Innovative and multidimensional, Inclusive of youth, women, and marginalized groups, and Responsive to current development realities—including shifts in technology and aid structures. Participants will explore how agricultural advisory systems can evolve to not only improve productivity but also generate decent employment, drive climate resilience, and ensure food system sustainability.