Factors influencing smallholder farmers to participate in farmer-led research of agro-ecological practices in selected areas, Tanzania
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Date
2021-09-23
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development
Abstract
Declining crop productivity is a great challenge facing smallholder farmers in Tanzania. Agro-ecological
practices can improve crop productivity in a sustainable way and produce healthy food among
smallholder farmers. Initiation of “Farmer-Led Research of Agro-Ecological Practices” (FLRAG) may
enhance farmers’ capacities for innovation and co-develop suitable agro-ecological practices. This
study aimed at identifying factors influencing smallholder farmers to participate in FLRAG. A cross-
sectional survey was used to collect qualitative and quantitative data from 90 smallholder farmers in
Mvomero, Bagamoyo and Masasi districts in Tanzania. Data were also collected from key informants
who were extension officers. The study identified that experience in farming, easiness in accessing
agro-ecological inputs, interest in doing experiments and farm size ownership are the factors that
substantially influence smallholder farmers to participate in FLRAG. Therefore, researchers are advised
to select participants of FLRAG by considering the mentioned factors. Furthermore, farmers selected to
participate in FLRAG are advised to the use of ugunduzi app” that was developed purposefully to
enhance agro-ecological research in order to test and understand its potential on smoothing agro-
ecological research activities.
Description
Journal article
Keywords
Smallholder farmers, Crop productivity, Sustainable farming, Farmer-led research, Agro-ecological practices, Ugunduzi App.