Effectiveness of Agricultural Service Provision in Improving Smallholder Farmer Performance in Zambia: Insights from Credit, And Input Supply: A Case of Shangombo District

This study evaluated the effectiveness of agricultural service provision in enhancing smallholder farmer performance in Shangombo District, Western Province, Zambia, with a specific focus on credit access and input supply. The objectives were to (i) analyse existing mechanisms of agricultural service provision, (ii) assess the impact of access to services on productivity and household income, and (iii) identify key constraints faced by smallholder farmers. Guided by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), the study adopted a mixed-methods design combining quantitative surveys of 100 smallholder farmers and qualitative interviews with seven extension officers. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics in SPSS, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. The findings revealed that 88.9% of farmers benefited from agricultural services, and 76.9% reported yield increases ranging between 10–30%. However, income gains remained modest due to high input costs, low produce prices, and weak market linkages. Only 45.1% of farmers adopted new technologies, while 67% expressed low confidence in managing pests and diseases, highlighting gaps in extension training and advisory support. Although most farmers (82.4%) expressed a neutral satisfaction level, all respondents (100%) recommended improvements such as increased funding, more extension officers, better infrastructure, and stronger private sector participation. The study concludes that agricultural services in Shangombo District contribute positively to productivity but have limited impact on income and resilience. It recommends an integrated, well-funded service delivery model linking inputs, credit, extension, and market access while promoting inclusivity for women and youth.