Abstract:
The concept of IS has gained importance in understanding the interactions among actors as determinants of innovation.
Determinants of innovation are not viewed individually but within the context of a complex IS involving many actors
and interactions. Therefore, this study examined the interactions among actors in the IRVIS in the Eastern Zone of
Tanzania. Structured interviews, focus group discussion and documentary review methods were used in data collection.
Both content and social network analysis were used to depict the different actors’ interactions in the IRVIS. The
findings show that the intensity of actors’ interactions ranged from weak to medium. IRVIS is thus characterized by
asymmetric power relationship among actors causing asymmetric knowledge and information flow. TARI, MATI,
policymakers and DCs were important and influential over other actors; hence they largely control the knowledge flow
of IRVs. The FIs, traders and millers had the least influence with weak interactions, and hence played peripheral roles.
Farmers were the most prominent, but had the least influence on other actors. The study recommends that more effort
be made to strengthen actors’ interactions in the IRVIS for an increase of knowledge and information sharing among
actors, so as to increase the use of IRVs and improve rice productivity.
