Abstract:
Keeping local chickens is an integral part of Tanzania’s rural
economy although it suffers low genetic potential. To address the problem, the
Africa Chicken Genetic Gains (ACGG) project introduced and tested improved
strains of chicken viz. Sasso and Kuroiler in Tanzania, The paper aimed to
predict the rate of adoption of Sasso and Kuroiler chicken strains by using the
Adoption and Diffusion Outcome Prediction Tool (ADOPT). Developmental
research design involving provision of 25 six weeks old chicks to farmers was
adopted. Data were obtained from a questionnaire survey and Focus Group
Discussion in three regions of Tanzania. The results indicate that the peak for
adoption is likely to be 34, 29 and 38% after 8, 7 and 9 years in Bahi, Ifakara
and Wanging’ombe sites respectively. The sensitivity report indicates that the
adoption rate may increase to reach 59, 49 and 57% and may decline to about
17, 16 and 21% in Bahi, Ifakara and Wanging’ombe respectively. Extension
efforts to facilitate availability of the strains, feeds, treatment and reducing
upfront and operating costs are main factors affecting change in the adoption rate
to optimize the inherent genetic potential. It is recommended to facilitate
extension efforts for adoption rate improvement by upgrading local chicken
value chain to enable farmers to access the strains, feeds, medication and
market.
