Browsing by Author "Mbiligenda, George Jeremia"

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    Contribution of national service on agricultural production: a case of maize production by Mgambo JKT in Handeni District
    (Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2013) Mbiligenda, George Jeremia
    The role of National Service in promoting agricultural development and its influence on agricultural production in rural communities has received little attention on the discussion of civil-military relations despite the existing nexus of military and agricultural development. This study examined contribution of National Service in agricultural production and used maize production by Mgambo JKT in Handeni District as the case study. Purposively, maize farmers near and far from Mgambo JKT were chosen in order to assess spill over effects of Mgambo JKT on surrounding villages. Assessment on agricultural production by Mgambo JKT revealed that the camp has been increasing her capacity in maize seeds multiplication for hybrid varieties such as TMV-land TAN-250. Contribution of Mgambo JKT in the total maize production in Handeni District has increased from 0.2% in 2008 to 0.7% in 2011. On the other hand, spillover effects of Mgambo JKT were considered as an impact contribution of National Service camps in agricultural production of rural areas. One of the more significant findings from this study was that farmers near Mgambo JKT viewed the presence of Mgambo JKT maize farms in their area as a demonstration. In return some farmers have imitated conventional practices of Mgambo JKT such as proper spacing, row planting and use of improved seeds. Mean maize productivity of farmers nearby the camp was higher than of those far from the camp. Generally, National Service as a stakeholder in rural agricultural production has an impact on surrounding communities that is limited to spill over effects produced by the National Service camps. In order to fill the gap and to support government efforts in improving agricultural production in rural areas, National Service camps should establish outreach programs aiming at improvement of agricultural production of surrounding communities and rural agricultural development as a whole.