Browsing by Author "Danda,Francis Joseph Chuma"

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The role of participatory approach (pa) in smallholder farmer rice production in Lindi region: the case of Kinyope micro-irrigation project in Rutamba Ward, Milola Division in Lindi District.
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2003) Danda,Francis Joseph Chuma
Participatory approach in development is currently globally advocated by the majority of development agencies and governments, Tanzania being one of them. Unfortunately, little . is known about the role of the approach in development projects. This study was conducted in Kinyope Village to determine the role of participatory approach in Kinyope Micro Irrigation Project in Lindi District. The overall objective of the study was to examine the extent to which the involvement of the farmers in the planning process, and technology dissemination contributed to increased rice production in the study area. The Kinyope Village, from which a study sample of 132 MAPATA and Non-MAPATA respondents was randomly sampled, was selected by judgmental sampling technique out of 7 villages involved in the project. Seven extension staff and 8 government officials from Lindi and Mtwara regions were also included in the sample. Data were collected through interview using the pre-tested questionnaires and group discussions with the respondents. The collected data were statistically analysed using SPSS computer programme to obtain frequencies, percentages, Chi-square and ANOVA tests. The result of study reveal that participation was influenced by demographic and socio-economic factors, such as gender imbalances, dependence on family labour, farm sizes, courses attended by respondents in the study area, etc. Statistically significant (*P<0.05) differences between MAPATA and Non-MAPATA respondents were observed regarding the distribution of respondents according to socio-economic variables, adopted technologies, reasons for adoption, rating of adoption, rice yields levels, and the frequency of visits by VEOs and GDFs; both were in favour of MAPATA respondents. Only proper seedbed preparation, and bunds technologies were adopted. As a result of the adoption it was observed that rice yields had increased from 7 to 22 bags per acre. All government and party officials highly valued working with fanners to address production constraints. It was concluded that: socio economic and demographic factors affected participation of target groups in the project. Thus research on the potentials, opportunities, and constraints of the target groups for sustainable extension programmes is important. The participation of farmers in the development of technologies, and their delivery in package fbrm enhanced the dissemination and adoption. Therefore it is recommended that the formation and consolidation of Participatory Farmers1 Groups (PFGs) should be promoted since it has been observed that they facilitate technology dissemination, adoption, and networking amongst the key actors in agricultural development.