Factors affecting utilisation of agricultural innovations in Tanzania: A case of selected rice production practices in Igunga district

Abstract

Farmers can potentially increase their productivity through utilisation of rice production innovations practices and new input packages, if appropriate extension services are put in place. However, many conventional extension approaches in Tanzania have received criticism for being limited to demonstration of technologies, limited use of farmer’s knowledge and using already packaged information. Thus, this study was conducted to assess factors affecting utilisation of rice production innovations in Igunga District, Tabora Region. Specific objectives of the study were to: identify rice production innovations available to the extension service in the study area; determine the extent to which available rice production innovations are transferred; examine the extent to which transferred rice production innovations are utilised and identify factors contributing to success or failure in transfer and utilisation of rice production innovations. Data were collected from 134 respondents including 120 farmers household heads, four extension agents, 10 key informants and various documentary sources using questionnaires, researcher’s diary and checklist. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS computer software and “content analysis” technique was used to analyse qualitative data. The study found that rice production innovations in Igunga District are generally available although in forms that vary in terms of degree to which they can be useful to farmers and extension workers. It was concluded that rice production practices were generally in use at different levels with more farmers depending on traditional practices. The study recommended that more effort should to be done by agricultural extension workers in order to gain the confidence of farmers with regard to the use of recommended practices in rice production. The study also suggested undertaking case studies on interaction between extension workers and farmers in order to elicit more reliable clues about communication behaviours of extension workers and farmers.