Farmer Organizations, Geographical Inequality and Access to Pluralistic Agricultural Extension Services in Bong County, Liberia

Abstract

Background: Farmer organizations can reduce the transaction costs of pluralistic extension delivery, but reliance on organized groups may leave non-members and some locations underserved. This study examined organizational and geographical inequalities in reported access to seven named extension providers in five districts of Bong County, Liberia. Methods: A cross-sectional survey used 232 records that mapped unambiguously to Fuamah, Jorquelleh, Kpai, Salala and Zota from a 326-record export. Access was defined as receipt from at least one named provider; plural and high access indicated two or more and four or more providers. Descriptive contrasts, chi-square tests, concentration indices and a robust logistic model were used. Results: Overall, 81.9% reported any access, 53.4% plural access and 18.5% high access. Members reported broader exposure than non-members: 60.8% versus 30.4% had plural access. Membership was associated with plural access, χ²(1) = 13.88, p < .001, φ = .245; the unadjusted odds ratio was 3.47 (95% CI [1.81, 6.62]). In the stable adjusted model for any access, membership had an adjusted odds ratio of 5.83 (95% CI [2.35, 14.46]). District differences were pronounced: any access ranged from 38.5% in Kpai to 91.2% in Jorquelleh, while plural access ranged from 0.0% in Zota to 70.6% in Jorquelleh. Most providers’ reported recipients were highly geographically concentrated. Conclusion: Farmer organizations appear to be important bridges into the pluralistic service system, but group-based delivery and programme geography can jointly reproduce exclusion. Parallel non-member outreach, district service mapping and transparent eligibility rules are recommended.