Extension services for hire

By Makanday Reporter in Eastern Province

The officers are allegedly preying on the farmers’ fear and ignorance.

Agricultural extension officers have long been a vital source of knowledge and support for farmers. However, in Eastern Province, some officers have become a source of frustration for the very farmers they are meant to serve. Several farmers have reported to MakanDay that they are allegedly being pressured to pay for services that are supposed to be free, as these are already funded by the government.

An investigation by MakanDay has revealed that farmers in Eastern Province are being systematically exploited by extension officers, who are supposed to support their welfare.

These officials are allegedly coercing farmers into paying for extension services, including knowledge sharing. The payments demanded include money contributions for chickens, fuel, and repairs for motorbikes used by the extension workers.

The alleged exploitation is widespread, with many farmers facing threats of removal from the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) if they refuse to comply with the officers’ demands. FISP is a crucial government initiative that provides subsidized seeds and fertilizer, vital for many poor farmers in the region. The looming threat of losing access to these essential supplies forces farmers to yield to the demands of allegedly corrupt officials. visit, we are compelled to contribute money for chickens and fuel, and even to repair government motorbikes.

We know this is wrong, but we feel powerless to act,” said a cooperative leader from the Kalichero Two Agricultural Camp in Kasenengwa district.

One of the zonal leaders from Chief Mnukwa’s area described how an agricultural officer demanded a K500 allowance from each cooperative to assist with their annual general meetings.

‘The situation has become unbearable. When we request receipts or a confirmation signature for the payments, we are reminded of the risk of being removed from the FISP programme,’ said the zonal leader.

These disclosures highlight how farmers in the province have become targets for dishonest government officers who exploit their vulnerability. Such practices could have long-term impacts on farming. The lack of accountability and absence of formal records for these payments leave many farmers feeling trapped and unable to seek justice without evidence.

Chipangali council chairperson Maxson Nkhoma confirmed these allegations, calling the situation a well-organised injustice.

‘Farmers are paying out of fear. They are vulnerable, and no receipts or records are kept. This is a widespread problem,’ Mr. Nkhoma said. He added that his own investigation found no official records, but numerous farmers consistently reported being coerced.

Even some senior agricultural officers acknowledge that extortion is occurring. A high-ranking official, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed that officers are exploiting both the fear and ignorance of farmers.

‘Farmers don’t realise they have the option to report these abuses. They are afraid of jeopardising their livelihoods, so they comply,’ the official said.

However, the officer also criticised the farmers for perpetuating the issue, noting that many are themselves beneficiaries of the corrupt system.

Kasenengwa Member of Parliament Philemon Thwasa, who has disclosed that he reported the issue to the Ministry of Agriculture said that agricultural extension officers involved in this scam are operating with impunity and facing no consequences.

Mr. Thwasa emphasised that the absence of records does not mean these illegal activities and abuses are not occurring. He noted that the issue arises at almost every community meeting he has held, and no audits are conducted on the payments made by farmers. He likens the situation to farmers funding government activities rather than receiving the support they need.

“At first, I thought it was just one of those complaints from disgruntled farmers excluded from FISP. But over time, my own investigation confirmed these reports. It’s happening, and it’s very frustrating and disheartening,” Mr. Thwasa said.

Eastern Province council of chiefs’ chairperson Chief Mnukwa has also called for accountability.

“Our farmers must insist on receipts whenever they are asked to make payments,” he insisted. “We need transparency. As Chiefs, we need to know where this money is going. Extension officers must stop coercing our farmers and act with integrity.”

Chief Mnukwa’s call for action reflects a broader concern among traditional leaders, who view this exploitation not only as an economic issue but also as a moral one.

Union’s Response

Oniver Chingombe, President of the Staff Union of Zambia, defended extension officers and urged the Ministry of Agriculture to ensure that allocated funds reach them directly. He said the union is conducting its own investigation and will discipline any officers found guilty of misconduct.

While acknowledging awareness of the complaints, Mr. Chingombe argued that labelling extension officers as corrupt could demoralise them. He attributed some farmer complaints to a lack of information and called on Camp Agricultural Committees (CAC) to clarify any financial requests to cooperatives.

Mr. Chingombe stated that the union is unaware of any officers forcing farmers to buy laptops or pay allowances. He advised officers to conduct their work professionally, avoiding handling or keeping money, as they are not committee treasurers.

He acknowledged that while some officers may exploit farmers’ ignorance, such behaviour will not be tolerated as it harms the reputation of all officers and the trust between farmers and their support staff.

Government’s response

Agriculture minister Reuben Mtolo Phiri has acknowledged the seriousness of the complaints, which have been raised by several MPs. Mr. Phiri revealed that records indicate some farmers have been coerced into purchasing laptops for extension officers, which is unacceptable. He warned that officers involved in such practices will face severe consequences.

“These complaints are valid, and I can confirm their authenticity,” he said. “My office has received and documented these issues,” Mr. Phiri said during an interview on Breeze FM Radio in Chipata.

The minister said forcing farmers to make such payments is illegal and constitutes a criminal offence, adding that his office has received similar complaints from various agricultural camps throughout the province.

However, a MakanDay investigation reveals that the government also shares part of the blame.

According to Mr. Chingombe and several officers who requested anonymity for fear of losing their jobs, government funding for block and camp activities has been inconsistent. Mr. Chingombe urged the government to revert to the previous system, where allocations for block and camp activities were made directly from the headquarters in Lusaka.

“Under the current system, the funds come as a lump sum, and it is up to district-level officials to allocate them,” he explained. “Often, block and camp activities are not prioritised, and extension officers are not always consulted.”

He provided an example where camp officers are expected to register farmers using a digital system, but in many camps across the country, officers have yet to receive data bundles. Some camps have also not received fuel for FISP sensitisation meetings.