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.
Description:
A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULLFILMENT OF THE
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE IN
AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION AND EXTENSION OF SOKOINE
UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE. MOROGORO, TANZANIA.