Abstract:
A sound understanding of amalgamation of indigenous and modern innovations could result into improved quality of live and can increase the opportunities of individuals to partake in agro-pastoral communities. The purpose of this study was therefore to assess availability, transfer and utilisation of selected agro-pastoralists’ livestock indigenous production innovations in Hanang District of Manyara Region, Tanzania. The specific objectives were to, identify agro-pastoralists livestock indigenous production innovations available to the extension service in Hanang District; determine the extent to which agro-pastoralists’ livestock indigenous production innovations are transferred; determine the extent to which agro-pastoralists’ livestock indigenous production innovations are utilised; and identify factors contributing to success or failure in transfer and utilisation of agro-pastoralists’ livestock indigenous production innovations. Data were collected from 144 respondents, including 120 agro-pastoralists household heads, 4 extension workers, 20 key informants and various documentary sources using questionnaires, researcher’s diary and checklist. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS computer software and “content analysis technique” was used to analyse qualitative data. The study found that agro-pastoralists production innovations are generally available although in forms that vary in terms of degree to which they can be useful to agro-pastoralists and livestock field extension workers. It is concluded that agro-pastoralists livestock indigenous production practices were generally in use at different levels with more agro-pastoralists depending on traditional practices. The study recommends that more work need to be done by livestock field extension workers in order to gain the confidence of agro-pastoralists with regard to use of recommended practices in livestock production. The study also suggested to undertake case studies on interaction between livestock field extension workers and agro-pastoralists in order to elicit more reliable clues about communication behaviours of livestock field extension workers and agro-pastoralists.
