The state of Research-Extension-Farmer-Input Linkage Systems in African livestock agriculture: stakeholder challenges, perceptions and recommendations

The research–extension–farmer–input system (REFILS) is a critical nexus linking knowledge generation, dissemination, and application in African livestock agriculture; however, its effectiveness remains contentious. This study assessed the state of local, national, and regional REFILS programmes across five African regions, examining key challenges, perceived impact, and recommendations for improvement. A mixed-methods cross-sectional study was conducted, with data collected via semi-structured online surveys of 125 key stakeholders (researchers, n = 48; extension officers, n = 50; and lead farmers, n = 27) and through three virtual workshop group discussions that validated the survey findings. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively, while qualitative responses underwent thematic analysis. Lack of financial resources, socio-economic and cultural barriers, and inadequate infrastructure and technology were ranked as the top constraints by researchers, extension officers, and farmers, respectively. Most respondents (> 70%) perceived REFILS as effective but uneven in developing, disseminating, and utilising livestock technologies. Perceptions of REFILS’ role in facilitating collaboration among actors varied, being high among researchers (89%) but lower among extension officers (63%) and farmers (52%). Findings show that although a few countries have stronger policies, many African countries lack adequate legislative frameworks governing REFILS, therefore, coordinated policy reforms, strengthened governance, and sustained financial support were recommended. This cross-regional evidence identifies where REFILS performs well and where systemic gaps persist, setting clear priorities for policy and practice to align the efforts of researchers, extension services, farmers, and input suppliers to boost agricultural technology development, dissemination and uptake in Africa.