Abstract:
This chapter analyzes agricultural extension approaches used in Tanzania with a
view to improving them for effective extension service delivery in the country. Linear
extension approaches, which were used in the past, were skewed more towards research
interests than towards the farmers’ perceived problems. Other participatory approaches,
which were used, include Farmer Field School and Farmer-to-farmer approach. Farmer
field school is the main participatory extension approach is commonly used in Tanzania
as opposed to farmer-to-farmer extension approach. The approach seems to be more
effective based on its features, principles, and the benefits explained in this paper.
However, FFS focuses on agricultural production ignoring other aspects and actors in the
agricultural innovation system (AIS). In addition, FFS does not adequately consider
current changes in the agricultural sector such as climate change and value chain aspects.
In addition, the concept of FFS is not well conceived by the implementers. Therefore,
there is a need of improving and or developing new extension approaches that will
accommodate current changes and consider all actors in the AIS. In addition, all actors
need thorough training on the extension approaches available in the country including
FFS for their successful implementation. Furthermore, monitoring and evaluation of the
introduced approaches is crucial in order to determine their effectiveness, efficiency, and
relevance that will form the basis for their improvement.
