This thesis tells, in a largely descriptive way, the story of resource poor farmers in rural Uganda who derive a livelihood primarily from farming under conditions, characterised by subsistence farming, market failure, poverty and other forms of social distress; as they come into contact with a new initiative for extension- the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS). Initiated at the dawn of the 21st Century, NAADS initiative features some of the key aspects of the contemporary global extension thinking notably addressing poverty through market-oriented agriculture and embracing a demand-driven extension approach. Fundamentally, NAADS aims to develop a demand-driven, client-oriented and farmer-led agricultural service delivery system, particularly targeting the poor and women.
However, based on the existing farming conditions, this thesis has considered the NAADS initiative as a “prototype” for a new approach to extension. At variance with the present-day policy-related studies, which focus more on “how” questions in policy implementation, this thesis concerns itself more with what NAADS provides to its clients – the material aspect – rather than how services are delivered. Generally, the analysis indicates a mismatch between NAADS’ aspirations and the conditions of its primary clients: subsistence farmers, particularly women and youth. This serves to underline the relevance of situational/historical factors in rural development intervention. The findings have important implications for narrowing a gap between national policy aspirations in Uganda (as communicated in the PMA/NAADS) and the realities of subsistence farmers on the ground.