Factors influencing research-extension-farmer linkages in Tanzania: a case of the Western agricultural research zone
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Date
2010
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
Research and extension must collaborate effectively through research - extension –farmer
linkages in order to bring increased agricultural productivity, income and reduction of
rural poverty. However, these linkages have been reported to be weak. This study
examined factors influencing research – extension – farmer linkages in the Western
Agricultural Research Zone of Tanzania. It focused on four districts in the zone namely
Kasulu and Kigoma in Kigoma Region and Urambo and Uyui in Tabora Region. Specific
objectives were to: identify existing research - extension - farmer linkages, identify
innovative linkages, and describe factors enhancing and/or affecting linkages and to
recommend ecologically sustainable strategies for strengthening linkages. Research design
of this study was cross sectional. Data were collected through personal interviews and
focused group discussions with extension workers, researchers and farmers and through
discussions with key officials of the Ministry of Agriculture Food Security and
Cooperatives and NGOs. A sample of 73 respondents composed of 39 farmers, 23
extension workers and 11 researchers was drawn from sampling frames that were
developed. A table of random numbers was used for random selection of farmers and
extension workers while purposive selection was applied for researchers. Findings show
that existing linkages are farm trials, demonstrations and Farmer Field Schools while
innovative linkages are through cell phones and internet. Furthermore, findings show
positive factors which enhance linkages and negative factors that inhibit linkages.
Majority of researchers (91%) and extension workers (57%) reported that positive factors
are innovative mechanisms and government policy initiatives. Innovative mechanisms
included cell phones and internet while policy initiatives include the ASDP and the
National Agricultural Policy (2008). In case of negative factors, majority of researchers
(91%) and extension staff (87%) mentioned inadequate funds. Based on findings the study
recommends the following strategies for strengthening linkages in the Western Zone:
increased internal funding of linkage activities instead of donor funding which is
unsustainable and crop seed multiplication in the zone to ensure increased availability of
recommended seeds. Another strategy is strengthening coordination through establishment
of a national liaison unit which will link extension and research units of MAFC and
coordinate zonal liaison units (ZIELUs), and through promotion of teamwork,
commitment and doing business unusual among Agricultural Sector Lead Ministries.
Description
Keywords
Farmer linkages, Western agricultural research zone, Research zone
Citation
Chiligati,J.E(2010)Factors Influencing Research –EXTENSION – Farmer Linkages In Tanzania: A Case Of The Western Agricultural Research Zone .Morogoro; Sokoine University of Agriculture.