Browsing by Author "Martin, Respikius"

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A comparative analysis of RIPAT and other selected participatory rural development approaches used in Tanzania
(Mkuki na Nyota Publishers Ltd, 2023) Madaha, Rasel; Martin, Respikius; Mwakatoga, Joyce
Influenced by the African socialism philosophy of the late Julius Nyerere and the participant research practices of Marja Liisa Swantz, Tanzania is one of the pioneers of participatory action research in the world. Within the mentioned milieu, participatory approaches have become widespread. The approaches are geared at enabling rural communities to address their challenges through participatory approaches. This book chapter focuses on a comparative analysis of locally improved rural development approaches that have been developed and improved in the Tanzanian context. Using primary and secondary data from some Tanzanian rural interventions by Uluguru Mountains Agricultural Development Project (process approach) and World Vision Tanzania (ADP approach), the chapter focuses on a comparative analysis of the mentioned strategies and RIPAT (Rural Initiatives for Participatory Agricultural Transformation) to shed some light on rural development efforts in the Tanzanian context. The process approach involves participatory endogenous processes of development that start with the recognition of the local capacities of the people. TI1e ADP (Area Development Programmes) approach is a participatory approach that seeks to induce communities with capabilities to undertake appropriate actions to accomplish economic and social progress. More recently, World Vision Tanzania (WVT) reframed the acronym ADP by calling it Tanzania Empowerment ADP Model (TEAM). RIPAT is a participatory extension approach that transfers a 'basket' of agricultural technology options, including various crops and livestock, to groups of 25 to 30 smallholder farmers in a way that allows for joint, experiential, and participatory learning. In 2017 Research, Community and Organisational Development Associates (RECODA) entered a two year contract with WVT of co-owning the approach; the agreement ended in 2019. The engagement allowed World Vision Tanzania to use the RIPAT approach in ADPs. All in all, some literature suggests that participatory approaches fail to empower people in real life situation. In this regard and drawing from the participatory theory and practice, the chapter assesses the sustainability of the approaches.
Acquisition of land in rural areas of Morogoro district of Tanzania: policy and practice
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2013) Martin, Respikius
This study aimed at assessing the implementation of land policy al the village level with specific attention to the process of land acquisition through the village government. The study had three specific objectives which are: (1) to assess the rural communities' awareness of the national land policy and the village land Act No. 5 of 1999: (2) to examine the actual processes of acquiring land through the village government in rural areas and (3) to analyze constraints facing rural people to acquire land through the village government. A cross- section survey method was employed whereby two wards were selected purposively and from each ward, two villages were selected randomly. A total of 86 respondents were interviewed while other data was solicited through focus group discussions and key informant interviews. SPSS computer program version 12 was used to analyze quantitative information while qualitative information was analyzed using the content analysis technique. The findings revealed that, the awareness of land policy is low among respondents. Majority of the respondents reported about having heard about the policy but were not familiar with key aspects of the policy. It was also revealed by the study that the process involved in acquiring village land is not as per land policy guidelines. Furthermore, lack of transparency and bureaucracy in land allocation process are the major limitations for rural people to acquire land through the village government. From the findings it is concluded that, at the village level, implementation of land policy is not effective. For the implementation to be effective the study recommends empowering rural people through access to information and capacity building for local institutions which oversee implementation process of land policy.
Climate vulnerability of agroecological and conventional smallholders in Mvomero district, Tanzania: using mixed-methods to uncover local experiences and motivations of farming for the future
(Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 2024-07-16) Johansson, Emma; Martin, Respikius; Mapunda, Kenneth
Changing rainfall patterns make farmers increasingly vulnerable to crop failure, income loss and food insecurity. Agroecology is proposed to reduce climate vulnerabilities of farmers, as such practices and social movement aim to create more resilient farm and food systems. It is however fairly unknown if, and to what extent, agroecological farmers are better able to cope with climate induced exposures as compared to conventional smallholders. We conducted 194 surveys with agroecological and conventional smallholders to explore the three components of climate vulnerability: exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity. We combined this with field observations and interviews, and an analysis of long- term rainfall data. We also followed up the initial survey analysis with additional focus group discussions. Just as climate change occurs incrementally over time, we highlight modest, yet important differences between conventional and agroecological farmers. We find that agroecological farmers are less vulnerable to short-term dry spells, due to a combination of farming practices that improve soil water retention, like mulching and the use of cover crops. However, the use of botanicals might induce new vulnerabilities, as their processing requires additional labor, and sometimes expenditures, and may not protect the crops from pests and diseases. We also find limitations to agroecology in terms of scale, as most farmers are unable to use botanicals on all their farmland. Yet, agroecological farmers process and apply botanicals for health benefits both in production and consumption of foods, and they can occasionally sell their organic farm products for a higher price than conventional famers. With this study, we emphasize that farmers’ reasons to practice agroecology is not just to boost productivity and become more climate resilient, but rather for improving the long-term health of producers, consumers, soils and the environment.
Enhancing sustainability of university-based outreach activities through participatory action research: the case of Sokoine University of Agriculture
(International Journal of Agricultural Extension, 2024-08-20) Busindeli, Innocent M.; Martin, Respikius; Kalungwizi, Vituce J.
Universities worldwide are mandated for training, research, consultancy and outreach. To ensure that they are responsive to community’s needs, as part of corporate social responsibility, Universities carry out outreach activities and engage with rural communities. However, many universities' outreach activities in rural communities face the challenge of sustainability. In addressing sustainability, Participatory Action Research (PAR) has proved to foster collaboration and meaningful engagements for community transformation. This is because using PAR to seek solutions to problems facing society and, simultaneously, meeting outreach goals fosters sustainability. In this paper, we use the Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) as a case to report findings on achievements, challenges and critical lessons learned from selected outreach projects that used PAR interventional strategy. We collected primary data from community members based on our involvement in selected projects. We employed focus group discussions (FGDs) to collect primary data. These data were compiled and shared during feedback meetings and dialogue conferences. In addition, secondary data collected include information obtained from literature review, project reports and researchers’ field notes. Data were analyzed by thematic analysis procedure. Our experiences and results indicate that PAR interventional strategy sustained the University’s outreach activities, enhanced the University-community linkage and transformed rural communities in different ways, ranging from individual, economic and organisational empowerment. In addition, PAR fostered researcher-farmer interactions and collaboration among partners and actors. Critical lessons learned include long-term commitment to work with rural communities is necessary to build mutual trust and strong partnerships; communities perceive researchers as “outsiders” who have abilities and resources for addressing their felt needs and problems and PAR is limited by institutional set-up. However, frequent interactions and close involvement of stakeholders in project implementation guaranteed success.
Exploring electronic waste situation in Africa: a review
(J. Appl. Sci. Environ. Manage., 2023-12-30) Martin, Respikius; Madaha, Rasel Mpuya; Mwakatoga, Joyce; Babili, Innocent; Kinonde, Suma; Sanga, Camilius
In recent years African countries are grappling with the increase of electronic waste (e-waste) which poses challenge to environment and human health. However, factors influencing electronic waste situation in Africa have not been explored and thus not well understood. To fill the gap, this paper aims at exploring e-waste situation in Africa and analysing factors influencing the situation. To address the objective, a systematic literature review was adopted. Findings show that the amount of e-waste has been increasing in both developed and developing countries over time. Although there are common factors associated with the increase of e-waste, some factors are unique to Africa. These are: reduced cost of used items, taxi incentives for importation of electronic devices and increased use of ICT devices in various sectors. Furthermore, findings show that developed and developing countries differ in terms of the risks posed by the e-waste and this difference is dependent on how e-waste is managed. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that the situation of e-waste in Africa is somehow different from developed world both in terms of the factors influencing the situation and ways of managing e-waste. In order to deal with e-waste situation, African countries need to improve awareness of their people, establish and capacitate institutions for dealing with e-waste and invest in technologies for managing e-waste.
Influences of independent variables on the adoption of recommended coffee production practices in Siha District, Kilimanjaro Region
(Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology, 2025-05-07) Mseja, Shelta; Msuya, Catherine P; Martin, Respikius
Aims: The adoption of recommended coffee agricultural practices is critical for enhancing the productivity and sustainability of smallholder coffee farmers. This study explores the influences of independent variables on the adoption of these practices. Study Design: A quantitative method was employed, utilizing structured questionnaires administered to the sample size of 198 smallholder farmers. Methodology: Data were analysed using SPSS version 20 with descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) to assess adoption levels. The Probit regression model was applied to evaluate the likelihood that a farmer adopts a given practice based on a set of explanatory variables. The regression examined the association between adoption decision and independent variables, including access to loan, annual income, gender, access to training, number of coffee plants, farm size and educational level. Results: The findings revealed that adoption rate varied across different coffee practices, while some practices like shade adoption and weeding are widely adopted, others like Integrated pest management (IPM) and pesticides use need more support to be widely implemented. Income, land size and access to training were found to significantly affect the adoption of many practices. Income and access to training were associated with the adoption of more advanced practices suggesting farmers with greater financial resources and knowledge are more likely to implement these practices. On the other hand, marital status and gender has no significant influence on adoption of most practices. Conclusion: The study concludes that addressing access to credits and education challenges among smallholder farmers can significantly improve the adoption of these practices, thereby increasing productivity and farmers income. Based on these finding practical training program to improve farmers knowledge, financial support to farmers and targeted interventions for younger farmers should be emphasized.
Institutions, governance, and upgrading in non-industrial private forestry value chain in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2021) Martin, Respikius
Among the factors for the rise of Non-industrial private forestry (NIPF) include, the demand for timber and limited capacity of governments and corporations to supply to cover for the deficit. In developing countries, NIPF is dominated by smallholder farmers and presents a huge potential for alleviating poverty in rural areas where the majority of farmers live. Nevertheless, institutional framework and governance of the NIPF value chain have a huge influence on the benefits accrued from NIF and their distribution. However, in Tanzania, most studies on the role of institutional framework and governance have been on natural forests and industrial plantations, which for a long time have been the main source of timber in the country. Using the theory of access and the global value chain, particularly the institutional framework and governance structure dimensions, the study analyzed the role of institutions and governance in non-industrial private forestry value chain in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania. Specifically, the study intended to 1) analyze the role of state regulations in governing timber value chain 2) examine the role of informal institutions in timber value chain and 3) analyze the types of upgrading in the NIPF value chain and the institutions driving them. In large measure, the study adopted an exploratory cross-sectional study design whereby qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, observations and document reviews. In addition, quantitative data were collected for the study from six district councils in Njombe and Iringa regions. Qualitative data were analyzed following six steps of thematic analysis including transcribing interviews into text, going through the text, coding the text, grouping the codes to form themes, reviewing the themes, describing the themes and assessing their relationships. SPSS software was used for analyzing quantitative data. The study findings show that the government is the sole regulator of the NIPF value chain, and all actors in the chain operate under the same regulatory framework. This was not unique as similar cases are found in many developing countries. However, in Tanzania, regulations are implemented differently at the district council level whereby some district councils, unlike others, charge higher the cess per a piece of timber. Lack of distinction between industrial and non-industrial private forestry has resulted in placing industrial and non-industrial forestry under the same regulatory framework despite their many differences including economic status of the owners, the size of plantations, and management plans. Lack of distinction has also partly resulted in high transaction costs, which are unaffordable to the majority of actors in the NIPF value chain. Although the regulations affect incomes of all actors, tree growers are the most-affected category. Besides, the study found that trust between value chain actors played a role of integrating actors in the value chain. However, in some instances, it also excluded some actors from accessing timber market under the guise of lacking or having low level of trust. Furthermore, the study found that institutional framework comprising the government, development partners through donor-funded programmes, and grower organizations are behind attempts to upgrade the NIPF. Although four types of upgrading are promoted, only functional upgrading was found to have resulted into higher income among tree growers. In view of the study findings, it is concluded that although forest regulations were set to facilitate the operations of NIPF and to improve its contribution to rural livelihoods. Some of the regulations have resulted into unintended negative effects by limiting the actors of the value chain from gaining more income. Similarly, informal institutions, particularly trust, play an important role of integrating actors in the value chain by enabling them access regional market. Besides, the study concludes that in the absence of a lead firm, upgrading driven by institutions comprising the government, development partners through donor funded programmes, and grower organization is still occurring. The study recommends that in order for NIPFs to contribute significantly to the income of actors, the government, through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism (MNRT), should review the regulations governing the timber value chain. Specifically, barriers that limit tree growers and other actors from gaining access to the markets should be minimized or completely removed. In addition, in order for upgrading strategies to contribute to the improvement of rural livelihoods in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania, institutions promoting upgrading in NIPF value chain should pay attention to the needs of the tree growers.
Navigating grassroots innovation journey in Tanzania: factors shaping innovation
(Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology, 2025-03-17) Mdee, Norah; Msuya, Catherine; Busindeli, Innocent; Martin, Respikius
Grassroots innovation is increasingly recognized for its potential to address localized challenges and promote sustainable development. This study addressed the factors influencing grassroots innovation journeys in Tanzania, utilizing PESTLE and SWOT analysis frameworks. A cross- sectional design was used to collect qualitative data guided by a semi-structured questionnaire from 35 grassroots innovators. 16 innovators were purposively selected from the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) innovators database, 11 were purposively selected from Mashindano ya Kitaifa ya Sayansi, Teknolojia na Ubunifu (MAKISATU) databases and 8 innovators were purposively selected from 2020, 2021 and 2022 and participants in the 45 th and 46th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair Exhibition (SABASABA) in 2021 and 2022. Key informant interviews and observations supplemented the collected data, identifying different prototypes according to the stages of innovation. Innovators were selected from 11 sectors: Agriculture, Information and Communication Technology, Environment, Energy, Engineering, Education, Health, Security, Transport, Industrial and Water. The findings highlight the critical role of political support, economic stability, technological access and community engagement in fostering successful grassroots innovation journeys. The study offers policy recommendations to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of grassroots innovation initiatives in Tanzania. Emphasizing the need for stable funding, robust legal frameworks and holistic approach to address multifaceted challenges. This includes policy reforms, economic incentives, societal attitude shifts, technological support, legal clarity and infrastructural improvements. By tackling these issues comprehensively, Tanzania can create a more vibrant and inclusive innovation ecosystem, unlocking the potential of its innovators to drive sustainable development and economic growth.
Participatory future visions of collaborative agroecological farmer-pastoralist systems in Tanzania
(Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems, 2023-01-09) Johansson, Emma; Martin, Respikius; Mapunda, Kenneth M.
Agroecology is increasingly promoted as a way to create just and sustainable farm- and food systems. Although there are multiple initiatives to scale up agroecology, current socio- political structures often hinder its potential to transform food systems. This study uses participatory approaches to create paintings that envision agroecological futures in the context of increased farmer-pastoralist collaborations in Tanzania, how they would function, and what political action is needed to support such futures. The visions are based on focus group discussions with agroecological farmers and pastoralists, and a multi-stakeholder workshop with farmer and pastoralist repre sentatives, innovative food system actors, and researchers. We find that the envisioned transformation of the food system would lead to positive effects on farmers’ and pastoralists’ income, autonomy, long-term planning, and producers’ and consumers’ health. We conclude that new policies and financial support systems are needed to enable the expansion of agroe cological farming and food systems, by increasing the availabil ity of organic markets, supporting domestic botanicals production, and by creating more inclusive and just food value chains.
Perceptions of innovation system stakeholders towards grassroots innovators in Tanzania
(African Journal of Social Issues, 2025) Mdee, Norah; Msuya, Catherine; Busindeli, Innocent; Martin, Respikius
This study explores the perceptions of various stakeholders toward grassroots innovators in Tanzania and how these views shape the innovation ecosystem. Stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector actors, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and international donors, influence the grassroots innovation journey through their support, policies, and funding mechanisms. Using a qualitative approach, data were collected from 35 grassroots innovators through semi-structured questionnaire, key informant interviews, and observations. Innovators were selected from the COSTECH database, Mashindano ya Kitaifa ya Sayansi, Teknolojia na Ubunifu (MAKISATU) records, and participants in the Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair Exhibition (SABASABA). The findings indicate that while institutions such as the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MOEST) and COSTECH are seen as crucial for policy support, bureaucratic delays and budget constraints limit their effectiveness. Meanwhile, organizations such as the Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA), Small Industries Development Organization (SIDO), National Institute of Transport (NIT), and Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology (DIT) are perceived as more accessible and hands-on in supporting grassroots innovators. However, challenges persist in aligning private sector and international donor support with grassroots needs due to issues of trust and mismatched priorities. The study underscores the importance of addressing these perceptions to enhance stakeholder engagement, improve resource distribution and foster a more inclusive innovation ecosystem
Reconsidering home or farm visits extension method for improving impact of agricultural extension
(Journal of Agricultural Extension, 2023-10-15) Martin, Respikius
This study examined how agricultural extension agents conduct farm or home visits. It analysed the extent to which extension agents follow the guidelines for conducting farm/home visits and the relationship between extension agent’s characteristics and implementation of guidelines for conducting home/farm visits. Data for the study were collected through a survey of 69 agricultural extension agents obtained from 22 Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar regions. Also, qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews with key informants. In general, findings showed that home or farm visits are poorly planned which negatively affected the conduct of the visits. Furthermore, due to the high farmer extension ratio, extension agents do not always make follow-ups of their visits. A large number of farmers constrained extension agents from visiting all farmers, despite this reality farm or farm visit is still an important extension method. Nevertheless, for extension agents to be effective, they need to consider planning home or farm visits as part of the successful extension work.
The role of farmer research networks’ (frn) principles in influencing farmers’ adoption of improved groundnut cultivars in Singida rural district of semi-Arid central Tanzania
(Academic Journals, 2023) Chilewa, Humphrey Shadrack; Martin, Respikius; Ntumva, Mabebe
Farmer Research Networks (FRN) is a participatory approach aimed at supporting the agroecological intensification of smallholder farming. FRN was envisaged in Latin America and Africa, however, little has been documented on how the application of FRN principles influences adoption of agricultural technologies. Guided by networking, innovation systems and Roger’s theories of diffusion of innovations, this research assessed how the application of three principles, that is, 1) farmer participation, 2) usefulness of on-farm research, and 3) collaboration amongst players in networks influenced the adoption of improved groundnuts. Cross sectional mixed research methods were used. Findings show that farmers participated in forming FRN groups, the production of Quality Declared Seeds and the provision of farmer-to-farmer extension services. On-farm research was instrumental for observational and experimental research whereby farmers were able to see, learn, and adopt the innovation. Players collaborate through joint research, learning, and sharing of knowledge and resources; farmers’ field days; and project meetings. It is concluded that farmers participated in conducting on-farm research and collaborated with different players in the network, indicating that FRN principles were applied to influence the adoption of improved groundnuts. The study recommends farmer participation in preliminary meetings and strengthening the linkage between farmers and more actors.
Rural women's participation in managing aflatoxin contamination in the groundnut postharvest value chain in chemba district, Tanzania
(European Journal of Nutrition & Food Safety, 2024-05-24) Komba, Robert; Mwaseba, Dismas; Martin, Respikius
Aims: This study sought to determine the extent of rural women's participation in managing aflatoxin contamination in the groundnut postharvest value chain. Study Design: The study employed a cross-sectional mixed-methods research design involving quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the Chemba District in Dodoma Region, Tanzania situated at the coordinates 05°14′ 34′′ S latitude and 35°53′ 24′′ E longitude, respectively. Methodology: The primary data for the study were obtained from a random sample of 137 female groundnut farmers residing in twelve (12) villages from eight (08) wards in Chemba District. A questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data, while an FGD guide, checklist, and participant observation were employed to obtain qualitative data. Results: The findings show that women groundnut farmers participate partly in various aflatoxins- related project activities in decision making (50.36%), implementation (44.52%), benefits (59.85%), and evaluation (51.09%). Moreover, the findings of the study show that women participate in groundnut postharvest activities involving cleaning, drying, grading, sorting, processing, packing, storage, and marketing. However, the study shows that women’s participation in groundnut postharvest activities for managing aflatoxin is low. The findings also indicate that there is no statistically significant association between women's involvement in aflatoxin management and their age (χ2 = 7.800, P = 0.099), years of engagement in agriculture (χ2 = 3.556, P = 0.469), and farm size (χ2 = 2.004, P = 0.735). Additionally, a statistically significant association was observed between women's participation in managing aflatoxin and their level of education (χ2 = 12.650, P = 0.013*), as well as their marital status (χ2 = 27.550, P = 0.000***). Conclusion: The study found that rural women's participation in managing aflatoxin contamination in the groundnut postharvest value chain is critical. Hence, this study recommends developing strategies and initiatives targeting and supporting women's participation in managing aflatoxin contamination in the groundnut postharvest value chain.
Stakeholders dynamics in the grassroots innovation journey in Tanzania: a swot analysis
(International Journal of Development and Management Review, 2025) Mdee, Norah; Msuya, Catherine; Busindeli, Innocent; Martin, Respikius
The study analyzes the roles of various stakeholders in Tanzania’s grassroots innovation journey using a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis. The study examines key actors, including government agencies, private sector organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international donors and grassroots innovators to assess their impact on the innovation ecosystem. A cross-sectional design was employed to collect qualitative data from 35 grassroots innovators, selected through purposive sampling from sources such as the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) database, Mashindano ya Kitaifa ya Sayansi, Teknolojia na Ubunifu (MAKISATU) records, and participants in the Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair Exhibition (SABASABA). Data were gathered through semi-structured questionnaires, key informant interviews and observations. The SWOT analysis reveals that stakeholders such as the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MOEST) and COSTECH provide crucial policy and funding support but face challenges like bureaucratic delays and budget constraints. Other institutions, including the Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA), Small Industries Development Organization (SIDO), National Institute of Transport (NIT) and Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology (DIT) are recognized for their role in incubating grassroots innovations. The private sector and international donors contribute financial and technical support, yet issues related to trust and alignment with grassroots needs hinder their effectiveness. The findings emphasize the need for enhanced collaboration, improved coordination and streamlined administrative processes to strengthen stakeholder involvement in grassroots innovation.
The contribution of the RIPAT approach in the adoption of agricultural technologies in the uluguru mountains
(Mkuki na Nyota Publishers Ltd, 2023) Nyanda, Suzana S.; Martin, Respikius; Mwaseba, Dismas L.
Extension services play pivotal roles in linking farmers to knowledge, information and technologies that are central to attaining agricultural productivity. The limited number of extension agents coupled with the use of inappropriate approaches in the delivery of extension services has been regarded as one of the causes of low adoption of agricultural technologies. To overcome this, innovative and cost-effective agricultural extension approaches have been developed and promoted. One of such approaches is the Rural Initiatives for Participatory Agricultural Transformation (RIPAT) which forms the focus of this chapter. Specifically, the chapter presents: (i) the role of the RIPAT approach in the adoption of agricultural technologies, (ii) technologies promoted by the RIPAT-SUA project and their adoption by farmers, and (iii) factors affecting the adoption of the promoted technologies. The findings presented are drawn from an exploratory cross-sectional research done in six randomly selected villages surrounding the Uluguru Mountains where the RIPAT-SUA project has been implemented. A total of 238 households (120 RIPAT participating farmers and 118 non-group farmers) were randomly selected from the project villages for the farmers' survey. Additionally, a total of 15 key informants were involved in in-depth interviews. Desk review of project documents was also conducted. Descriptive statistics and content analyses were used for the quantitative and qualitative data analysis respectively. The study found that a basket of options that gave farmers the opportunity to choose the technologies they can implement was the key to adoption of technologies. In this respect, 92.5% of the group members adopted more than two technologies whereas 69% of non-group members adopted at least two technologies from the basket of options. The RIPAT approach has great potential to reach many farmers through its scaling-up tactic involving the RIPAT start and RIPAT spreading groups using lead farmers. This approach can facilitate the dissemination of new agricultural technologies in situations with limited professional extension workers. The study therefore recommends that the Ministry of Agriculture should integrate the RIPAT approach in the public agricultural extension framework.
The role of farmer field and business school (FFBS) in improving access to agricultural extension services to smallholder farmers in iringa rural district, Tanzania
(Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology, 2025-04-10) Wilson, Samuel Talawaly; Martin, Respikius; Madaha, Rasel
Innovative and holistic approaches, such as the Farmers Field and Business School (FFBS), are essential for advancing agricultural practices and improving smallholder farmer livelihoods. In Tanzania, while evidence suggests that FFBS enhances access to extension services, its specific role remains undocumented. This study used an exploratory sequential mixed method to explore FFBS's role in improving smallholder farmers' access to extension services. The study involved 43 FFBS beneficiaries from CARE International’s FFBS scale-up project, selected through snowball sampling until data were saturated. This approach was chosen due to the challenges of accessing a comprehensive list of active participants and of ensuring that diverse perspectives are included. Data were collected using in-depth interviews, key informant interviews, focus group discussions (FGD), document review, and observation. Findings suggest that FFBS significantly enhances access to extension services through capacity-building in agronomy, climate resilience through sustainable agricultural practices, market linkages, gender empowerment, and information dissemination. The FFBS programme utilizes innovative experiential learning techniques, including hands-on training in sustainable agricultural practices, to equip farmers with practical knowledge and skills. Despite the positive outcomes, FFBS has not fully facilitated the transition of smallholder farming into large-scale commercial agriculture, highlighting challenges in scaling up production. The study suggests that all FFBS elements need to be fully applied to realize their innovative benefits. Policy implications include the need to improve resource access, particularly capital, technology, and markets for smallholder farmers, integrate FFBS into national extension programs, and promote gender-inclusive capacity-building to scale up agricultural productivity and sustainability.
The role of farmer research networks’ (frn) principles in influencing farmers’ adoption of improved groundnut cultivars in Singida rural District of semi-arid central Tanzania
(ournal of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, 2023-05-05) Chilewa, Humphrey Shadrack; Martin, Respikius; Ntumva, Mabebe
Farmer Research Networks (FRN) is a participatory approach aimed at supporting the agroecological intensification of smallholder farming. FRN was envisaged in Latin America and Africa, however, little has been documented on how the application of FRN principles influences adoption of agricultural technologies. Guided by networking, innovation systems and Roger’s theories of diffusion of innovations, this research assessed how the application of three principles, that is, 1) farmer participation, 2) usefulness of on-farm research, and 3) collaboration amongst players in networks influenced the adoption of improved groundnuts. Cross sectional mixed research methods were used. Findings show that farmers participated in forming FRN groups, the production of Quality Declared Seeds and the provision of farmer-to-farmer extension services. On-farm research was instrumental for observational and experimental research whereby farmers were able to see, learn, and adopt the innovation. Players collaborate through joint research, learning, and sharing of knowledge and resources; farmers’ field days; and project meetings. It is concluded that farmers participated in conducting on-farm research and collaborated with different players in the network, indicating that FRN principles were applied to influence the adoption of improved groundnuts. The study recommends farmer participation in preliminary meetings and strengthening the linkage between farmers and more actors.
The role of matrilineal kinship in resources allocation, decision making and marketing of spice products in Morogoro region Tanzania
(SSRG International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 2025-04-29) Metta, Agness G.; Martin, Respikius; Mhando, David
In some regions of Tanzania, including Morogoro, spice production is a significant economic activity. However, its full potential may not be realised due to the complex socio-cultural kinship that influences resource allocation and marketing strategies. Specifically, the role of matrilineal kinship in these processes has not been adequately explored. While matrilineal societies may have distinct patterns of resource ownership, decision-making, and distribution, their impact on the management of agricultural resources and commercialization of spice products remains under-researched. This study seeks to fill this gap by examining how matrilineal traditions affect the allocation of resources in cultivating spices and marketing its products in the Morogoro region of Tanzania. A mixed-methods approach was used to collect data. Quantitative data were collected through structured questionnaires to 121 respondents obtained through the probability sampling technique. Qualitative data were collected through focus group discussions from two groups, one group of 16 participants in each village, and key informant interviews with one Extension Officer and two village leaders. Findings reveal that while matrilineal systems grant women certain rights, such as land inheritance, decision-making remains male- dominated, particularly in critical aspects such as land use and sales of bulk spices. Household decision-making tends to be collaborative, but men often retain the final authority. The study concludes that gender dynamics continue to shape key decisions regarding land use and the bulk sale of spice products. The findings underscore the complexity of gender roles within matrilineal societies, where women’s rights may not fully translate into control over economic resources.
The synergy of food sovereignty and the politics of malnutrition in tanzania: what works, why and how?
(Journal of Academics Stand Against Poverty, 2024-02-23) Ngowi, Edwin E.; Martin, Respikius
Recent data from Tanzania's National Bureau of Statistics show the alarming extent of malnutrition: 35% of under-five children classified as stunted and 15% as underweight, demanding urgent intervention. This paper investigates the synergy between food sovereignty and politics of malnutrition in Tanzania, examining mechanisms, effectiveness, and strategies. It asserts that the interplay between food sovereignty and politics of malnutrition drives socio-economic progress and food security. Using a case study approach, the paper evaluates scalable food sovereignty projects in Tanzania. Interviews with stakeholders, including officials, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and experts, offered insights into the complex relationship. The paper explores “food sovereignty” theory alignment with case studies (the What), rationale for realizing the right-to-food in Tanzania (the Why), and operationalizing policies amid the “politics of malnutrition” (the How). The paper draws on political ecology theory by Bryant and Bailey to explore food sovereignty-malnutrition synergy. Findings reveal that successful food sovereignty projects enhance food security and reduce child malnutrition. Factors include agroecological practices, traditional food systems, women and youth engagement, and community resource mobilization, empowering communities and prioritizing nutrition. Food sovereignty proves transformative in Tanzania and similar contexts, yet structural/political changes are vital to challenging industrial agriculture and global markets. In general, the success of food sovereignty projects in addressing malnutrition in Tanzania illustrates the potential of food sovereignty as a transformative approach to addressing food insecurity and malnutrition. However, achieving food sovereignty requires challenging the dominance of industrial agriculture and global food markets.
Women groundnut farmers’ participation in aflatoxin management interventions in Chemba district, Tanzania
(Social Science and Humanities Journal, 2025-02-17) Komba, Robert Flavian; Mwaseba, Dismas Lyegendili; Martin, Respikius
This study examined the nature of women groundnut farmers’ participation in aflatoxin management interventions in Chemba District in Tanzania. The study employed a cross-sectional mixed-methods research design involving quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Data were collected using a survey of 137 women groundnut farmers. Also, qualitative data were collected through focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. Specifically, 66.5% of women respondents were involved in the aflatoxin management interventions currently being implemented in the study area, while 33.5% reported no participation in such interventions. Also, the findings show that the recent TANIPAC project interventions were perceived positively to bring anticipated positive economic changes and lessen aflatoxin contamination in the food system. Overall, women's participation in interventions is crucial for effectively managing aflatoxin and reducing contamination within the food system.