A systematic review of knowledge, competency needs and constraints in climate resilient extension and rural advisory services in Africa

Abstract

Climate change continues to intensify risks to agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods across Africa, increasing the demand for extension and rural advisory services capable of supporting climate-resilient agricultural transitions. Extension advisors play a central role in facilitating the dissemination and adoption of climate-smart agriculture (CSA); however, evidence suggests that their effectiveness varies widely across regions due to differences in knowledge, competencies, and institutional support. This systematic review synthesizes findings from 39 studies published between 2010 and 2025 to examine extension advisors’ knowledge of CSA, identify key competency and training needs, and assess the constraints influencing their capacity to deliver effective CSA support across Africa. The review indicates that extension advisors generally demonstrate baseline awareness of core CSA concepts, particularly conservation agriculture, water-efficient irrigation, and integrated soil fertility management. However, their understanding is frequently skewed towards productivity-oriented practices, with comparatively limited emphasis on resilience-building, climate-risk communication, and greenhouse mitigation pathways. Reported competency gaps are most evident in the interpretation and application of climate information, the use of digital advisory tools, and systems-based thinking. In addition, the literature consistently identifies structural and institutional constraints—including high extension-to-farmer ratios, limited funding, inadequate ICT infrastructure, low digital literacy, and weak incentive systems—as factors that constrain effective advisory service delivery. Overall, the findings highlight the importance of strengthening extension systems through coordinated capacity-building approaches, improved institutional support, expanded access to digital infrastructure, and the adoption of participatory, learner-centred advisory methods. Addressing these interrelated factors may enhance the ability of extension advisors to more effectively support CSA development across diverse African contexts.