Theses and Dissertations Collection

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Comparative effectiveness of group extension methods in village farming in till coastal zone of Tanzania
(University of Dar es salaam, 1979-07-01) Kauzeni, Athanas S.
This dissertation compares the effectiveness of three group—based agricultural extension methodsi (i) demonstra—tions together with formal scheduled group discussion meetings, (ii) formal scheduled group discussion meetings alone and (iii) informal unscheduled or general meetings or contacts that were applied in 24 villages of the coastal zone in Bagamoyo, Handeni, Korogwe, and I.Iorogoro Districts, Tanzania. economic, political, administrative, educational, and environmental factors that directly or indirectly affect the effectiveness of agricultural extension methods and the extension service in general. The aim of the study is: first, to identify the best or most effective group-based agricultural extension methods Secondly, to identify constraints to agricultural extension < methods and the extension service in general that render agricultural extension workers ineffective and consequently inhibit increased agricultural production. Third, the study aims at making recommendations that will help agricultural extension workers in villages to increase their communication effectiveness which will hopefully lead to increased agricultural production. meetings, (ii) formal scheduled group discussion meetings alone and (iii) informal unscheduled or general meetings or which conform to tire country’s policy for villagization as . ■’ * related to the prevailing economic and social conditions^. It examines social Historically the agricultural extension service has been understaffed, and most seriously under-educated (in basic education), and under-trained (in extension and agriculture ) • Inadequate training, particularly in the extension approach or methods, is alleged to be one of the main causes for ineffectiveness of agricultural extension workers and the extension service in general. The training given lacks understanding and proper emphasis, therefore does not produce extension workers able to communicate effectively Consequently with farmers. extension workers have apparently had a minor impact in inducing changes in farming. Five operational dependent variables used in measuring the effectiveness of the three group-based agricultural extension methods are: (i) Knowledge of recommended farming practices, (ii) Adoption rate of recommended farming Results of the study show that differences exist in effectiveness of the three group-based agricultural extension methods as stated in the hypotheses tested. Some of these differences are statistically significant, others are not. Of the three group-based agricultural extension methods studied, demonstrations together with formal scheduled group discussion meetings proved to be the most practices, (iii) Development increase of the village, (iv) Income per ha and (v) Income per man-day. effective. Formal scheduled group discussion meetings vzere second in effectiveness, and informal unscheduled general meetings or contacts v/ere last in effectiveness. The analytical methods used in arriving at these results include simple and multiple regression and analysis of variance. There are also differences between Districts in relation to the effectiveness of extension methods in respeet of the five operational variables. Some of these differences v/ere statistically significant, other were not. Districts differ in levels of performance in respect to nature of individual) but none of these differences between Districts are statistically significant. on average, statistically significant differences between communal and individual types of farming systems in respeet of the tv/o income variables under all three types of group-based extension methods. Several obstacles affect agricultural information communication in the coastal zone villages: These include poor basic education and professional training of agricultural extension workers, high illiteracy percentage level among farmers, inadequate structural organization of the extension service, poor supervision of village level extension workers, and economic and social disparity between villagers and extension workers. In order to improve effectiveness of the agricultural extension approach and the extension service as a whole, it is recommended that evaluation of the agricultural extension service, particularly extension methods, be made more often. Demonstrations and meetings should be the key educational tool of the extension workers in villages. The entire agricultural training programmes should bo reviewed to insure that relevant subjects have their duo emphasis in the syllabi. The number of trainees should be increased and only form IV and above with high passes in relevant subjects should be recruited in so far as adequate numbers are available. Village-level agricultural extension workers should be employees of villages. Research recommendations for villages should be accompanied by their economic aspects to make them complete and should be written in layman's language for extension workers and farmers to understand. Farmers should be required to adopt complete packages of recommendations for a maximum increase in agricultural production to the extent that they are econonioally viable. There is an urgent need for a socialist credit system to be established to serve villages* Refresher or in-service courses for junior and senior agricultural extension workers should be arranged annually or after every two years. Finally, an intensive political education campaign should be launched for villagers particularly village council members, to enlighten them on the meaning, demands, and relevanoo of socialism in their own context.
Training for agriculture and rural development in Tanzania : an analysis of structural forms, operational procedures and related environmental factors
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1984) Gonsalves, Julian Fa
The role of training in human resource development is assessed through this study of the state of the art in Tanzania* An analysis was conducted of the forces and factors influencing the effectiveness of four training programs with a major focus on 1) identification of the nature of practical problems in planning* organizing* and Implementing training* and 2) generating theoretical notions and concepts pertaining to the various dimensions of villager level training* Following a grounded theory approach* both qualitative and quantitative data were generated using village Level surveys* Interviews* and documentary analysis* Six themes emerged: needs assessment and other training related research; selection and recruitment of trainees* factors affecting the response of villagers to training* delivery systems for training* Instructional content* methods and materials* and post—course follow-up. Current needs assessment efforts were formal* structured and restricted to general village needs* Problem specific studies were found to result In a better design of training* Complex and detailed surveys reduced client control and resulted in inordinate delays* The responsibility for trainee selection has shifted from the extension worker to the village chairperson or the village council* Long duration and/or residential courses adversely affect the attendance of adults* and especially women• Sexually defined roles within the household and on the farm result in a differential response from different family members* Educational background per se did not affect the response to short duration courses* Village based short courses and demonstrations were the most preferred instructional approaches* Training impact was often determined by the quality and intensity of follow— up. The non—availability of material inputs limited the utilization of training skills. The study suggests the need to consolidate rather than expand the existent network of residential centres while gradually increasing their village outreach activities. An Improved representation of adults* especially women was considered necessary. Further research pertaining to socio—psychological determinants of trainee response* cost—effeetiveness/cost—benefits* comparative studies of residential and village based approaches and barriers to women's response are recommended. This study then suggests important areas for theory and program development and the charting of future research efforts.
A comparative analysis of job design characteristics, organizational structure and personal characteristics affecting job satisfaction of extension agents In two extension organizations in Tanzania.
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1990) Mollel, Naftali Medoti
The present study was designed to compare two extension organizations in Tanzania: Commodity extension and General extension. Comparisons were made at three levels. First, to determine whether the two organizations differ in levels of job satisfaction; second, to determine whether the two organizations also differ in organizational structure, job design characteristics and personal characteristics of extension agents; and third, to determine whether the independent variables could explain the differences in levels of job satisfaction between the two extension organizations. Data were collected through a questionnaire distributed to extension agents during their monthly meetings. Data for the study came from 120 General extension agents and 64 Commodity extension agents. Additional information was obtained through personal and group interviews and analysis of documents. The major findings of the study are as follows: 1. Both at the individual and organizational level of analysis Commodity extension had significantly higher scores on satisfaction with supervision and satisfaction with promotion. 2. Differences in satisfaction with supervision could be explained by differences in formalization, autonomy and feedback. 3. Differences in satisfaction with promotion could be explained by differences in formalization and years of agricultural training. From these findings the following recommendations are suggested: 1. To enhance satisfaction with supervision extension organizations should develop effective communication channels to increase extension agents’ awareness of rules and procedures governing their jobs. Further, tasks and activities performed by extension agents should be structured to provide autonomy and feedback. 2. Satisfaction with promotion can be increased by developing programs to increase extension agents knowledge of the rules, procedures and communications governing their work and the organization and by developing a promotion policy that takes into account individual levels of agricultural training.
A study of the Sokoine University extension project and its impact on extension work at the village level in Tanzania.
(University College Dublin, 1991) Lugeye, Sizya C.
The study examined the impact of the Sokoine Extension Project (SEP) on the farmers' and extension workers' (Bwana Shambas) activities and programmes in solving the food and cash crop production problems in the villages of Morogoro region, Tanzania. It also investigated the effectiveness of the SEP in developing the capacity of the extension system and in accelerating agricultural developments at village level in the study area. In doing so, the main emphasis was to assess the extension workers' and farmers' performance in the SEP activities and programmes and in particular the farmers' changes in food production, food sufficiency and cash crop production as a result of the extension intervention.
Land use planning and quantitative modelling in Tanzania with particular reference to agriculture and deforestation: Some theoretical aspects and a case study from the west Usambara mountains
(Agricultural University of Norway, 1993) Kaoneka, A R.S.
Land use planning in Tanzania is an important issue due to serious land use problems caused by a host of factors. One of the reasons causing the general land use problem is stiff competition between forestry and agriculture. In the forest sector per se we find problems related to competition between the production of wood products, watershed protection, tourism, nature conservation, deforestation through encroachment, both legal and illegal logging activities. All these activities very much influence the future prospects of natural forest reserves. In agriculture land use problems emanate basically from inefficient farm management practices caused by socio-economic factors. The broad objective of this study has been to improve on the body of knowledge related to land use planning, modelling and management of the land use in Tanzania with particular relevance to an integrated management of forestry, agriculture and nature conservation. The more specific objectives are to: (i) present an overview of major land use planning problems in Tanzania in general and in the Usambaras in particular, (ii) evaluate some of the existing planning models regarding their suitability for application in multiple land use planning in Tanzania and discuss the optimal balance between quantitative modelling and qualitative aspects in land use planning and multiresource management; (iii) develop linear programming and compromise programming models for analyzing fanning systems at the village level in the West Usambaras. This has been done in the enclosed four reports: Report 1: Forest related land use in Tanzania: some policy and socio-economic aspects. Report 2: Land use in the West Usambara Mountains: analysis of ecological and socio economic aspects with special reference to forestry. A theoretical review and application of some land use planning models with Report 3: relevance for application in Tanzania. Application of economic analyses and mathematical programming in land use Report 4: planning at the village level in West Usambara Mountains. The application of quantitative modelling in Tanzania has been fairly limited, yet this study has indicated that there are considerable prospects for increased scope of application. The analysis of this study, inter alia, indicates that the present farming systems in the West Usambaras are not sustainable for more than about 30 years, and that the pressure from agriculture on forest lands would be high. This suggests that, in order to make the existing farming systems sustainable, it is important to improve farming technology which could increase crop production through improvements of land productivity and increase income from other sources. The government has failed to provide adequate measures to counter-balance the effect of population increases, thereby setting in motion a devolutionary cycle of increasing population densities and declining welfare. Therefore, as a matter of policy, it is important to redress this downward trend through a combined effort of politicians, extension workers and the farmers themselves. The overriding strategy should be to ensure long-term maintenance and improvement of the welfare of the local populace.My interest in land use planning, especially from farming and forestry point of view, is based on the fact that I was bom and brought up in a peasantry society. Our village lies in the immediate environs of a natural forest reserve from which we obtain a variety of materials. During my childhood I grew up with increasing realization of the importance of forests and farming activities. Therefore it is not by chance that I took interest in analyzing farming systems in this study. In pursuit of this study I received assistance and cooperation from various institutions and individuals. The Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) provided financial sponsorship for the study. The Department of Forestry, Agricultural University of Norway, accepted me as a Dr. Scient. student and provided logistical support I spent one year (1990/91) doing course-work at the School of Forestry, Northern Arizona University, U.S.A., where I received academic and logistical support from both faculty and administrative staff. Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, granted me study leave to pursue the Ph.D programme. Professor Dr. Birger Solberg, The Norwegian Forest Research Institute, initiated, inspired and guided me diligently throughout the study period, and has read and commented on all four reports. Dr. Prem Sankhayan, Senior Economist at the Centre for Sustainable Development, Agricultural University of Norway, encouraged me in mathematical modelling, and has read and commented on Report Number 4 of this study. Prof. Dr. Aaron S.M. Mgeni, Department of Mensuration and Management, Sokoine University of Agriculture, has read and commented on Reports 1 and 2. Mr. Gerald C. Monela, Lecturer, Department of Forest Economics, Sokoine University of Agriculture, has read and commented on Reports 1 and 2 as well as chapter 3 of Report Number 4. Dr. Stein T. Holden, Associate Professor, Department of Economics and Social Sciences, Agricultural University of Norway, has read and commented on Reports 1 and 2. Prof. Dr. Aku O’Kting’ati, Head, Department of Forest Economics, Sokoine University of Agriculture provided logistical support during field work in Tanzania. Ms. Grethe Delbeck typed and retyped Report Number 3 of the study. Ms. Kari Solberg, as a true mother, gave me moral support during the course of the study. Finally my family has had to tolerate my long absence from home. I missed my mothers sweet porridge! Prof. Shabani A.O. Chamshama took great care of the family during my absence. To all these institutions and persons I wish to say SHUKRAN.
A study of the factors influencing offtake and marketing of milk and milk products around Dodoma town
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1993) Araudoba Chigunje Nicanory Harun
This work was carried out in Dodoma Urban district to study the milk production situation and the existing milk utilization options in the areas surrounding Dodoma town in central Tanzania. The study was carried out by the use of a questionnaire, observations and direct recording. Fifty producer households and 61 non - producer households were interviewed. In addition, a total of 20 batches of milk produced by 20 households were evaluated for fat recovery efficiency using traditional churning methods. The results showed that there were on average 33 head of cattle per household. Cattle demography composed of 46% cows, of which 21 % were in milk; 15 % heifers, 21% males and 24 % calves. The calving rate was less than 50%. The lactation length was on average 9.72 ± 2.34 months with a coefficient of variation of 24%. were 17.6% and 3.8% Mortality rates for calves and adult cattle respectively. On average 70 % of the cows produced milk in the range of 0.25 - 0.50 1 of milk per day, while the rest produced above 0.50 to 2.00 1 per day. Watering of animals was done once per day in 94 % of the herds and for the rest it was done twice per day. Grazing time was on average 7.38h for herds that grazed continuously during the day and 6.48h for herds that had partial rest in kraals during the day. Producer households utilized 43.5 X, 32.0 X and 23.4X of the consumption milk and for sales consumers obtained direct processing, household Non respectively. milk through purchases. producer of the 61 non-producer households, 57 % obtained milk within the village, 28.6 % between 2 and 10 km and 14 % from more than 10 km. Consuming households living far away from the producers were supplied with milk through bicycle-boys as intermediaries. Milk price which ranged between TSh.26.60 and TSh.120.00 per litre of milk was positively correlated (r = 0.68 ) to distance from the source. For producer households, the amount of milk sold was significantly dependent (P< milk 0.001) on total production per household per day. Household consumption and household processing decreased the amount of milk sold significantly (P<0.001). Family size was positively and significantly (P< 0.05) correlated to herd size, milk output and processing with daily coefficients of correlations of 0.69, 0.66 and 0.66 respectively. Only fermented milk, butter and ghee were found to be produced with buttermilk as a by - product in the fat recovery process. The capacity of gourds that were used in churning sour milk ranged between 4.5 to 28.0 1 while the average volume of milk churned was 3.6 1 (range 7.5 1) representing a churn capacity fill of 31 average (range 1 .3 to x on 6.8 to 62.5 X). The sour milk churned had a pH range of 3 to 5 and was churned at an average temperature of 26 :C. Churning time averaged 28.8 minutes (range 10 to 50 minutes). Overall efficiency of fat recovery using traditional churning methods ranged between 57.5 % and 85 % It is concluded management systems, coefficients with an average of 71.6 % that the production levels and milk marketing and milk processing found in this study are similar to those reported elsewhere for traditional agro-pastoral systems in Africa. Recommendations that could bring improvements in all the aspects studied are given about
Peasant grain storage and marketing in Tanzania :a case study of Maize in Sumbawanga District
(Au fl. - Berlin, 1995) Ashimogo, Gasper
Maize is the major staple cereal grain in Tanzania and it plays an important role in the country's food security and income to smallholder farmers. In response to the crisis which has faced the agricultural sector since independence in 1961, reforms in grain marketing were instituted as part of broader macroeconomic changes beginning in 1984. These liberalisation policies also affected the smallholder farmers' grain storage and marketing patterns. The main objective of this research was to investigate peasants' patterns of maize storage and marketing and the consequent effects of these patterns on spatial and seasonal efficiency as well as food security and income distribution under the auspices of liberalisation. The study builds on the concepts of spatial and temporal efficiency as well as the agricultural household models and uses Sumbawanga, a maize surplus district, as a case study. Analyses are based on questionnaire surveys conducted among 120 farmers and 14 traders, weekly price data from four villages and the main Sumbawanga town market, and monthly loss assessments of grain stored by 20 farmers in the 1992/93 marketing season. The study reveals that maize production and storage are mainly undertaken to meet household consumption and cash needs. Quantity of maize harvested and household size are the main factors which influence the allocation of maize between sales and consumption. Due to lack of storage facilities for large-scale farmers, unreliable market outlets, and liquidity constraints maize sales are concentrated in the low-price harvest period. Traders play a minimal role in grain storage due to a lack of capital. The market efficiency analysis revealed three main aspects: (1) Rural markets in Sumbawanga district are well integrated into the Sumbawanga town market. However, the degree of integration differs between villages mainly due to differences in accessibility and distance from the central markets. (2) Although spatial price differences are largely a function of the transfer costs there is little possibility for profit maximisation from maize trade within the district. (3) The temporal price efficiency is generally low and is lower at nominal interest rates of below 50 %.Consequent of the existing storage and marketing patterns one third of the sample farmers did not have enough consumption maize to last until the next harvest. These were forced to buy from the market during the high-price pre harvest season. Policy interventions to increase maize production could assist in reducing poverty and food insecurity in the distric
The agrarian constitution of Zanzibar and its impact on agricultural development.
(University of Bonn, 1998) Krain, Eberhard
The title of this thesis is "the Agrarian Constitution oj Zanzibar and Its Impact on Agricultural Development''. Six elements were investigated in this dissertation: (i) the laws and law-like rules governing land ownership and land use, (ii) the succession to land and tree crops, (iii) the agricultural labor system, (iv) agricultural credit, (v) co-operatives, and (vi) the system of social security. Data were eolleeted in Zanzibar between 1990 and 1994. Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous urea of the United Republic of Tanzania. East Africa. Various formal and informal instruments of socio-economic research were applied during the research. Literature searches, interviews with key informants, semi-structured discussions with groups of male and female farmers, structured interviews with 360 heads of households in six villages, as well as numerous case and in-depth studies were conducted. The agrarian constitution is defined as the order that has been molded by law and custom and that determines agriculture and the course of life in the agrarian society (LlPINSKY. 1990/91 b; Lipinsky. 1981).The agrarian constitution of Zanzibar is the product of a number of important influences. In the less fertile coral rag area villagers, in many instances, follow rules that derive from African customary law (“mila”). in the fertile plantation area, where Arabs settled since the beginning of the 19th century, Islamic-Arabic laws and customs (Sheria) have been introduced and have had a lasting impact that, until today, extend to the whole of Zanzibar. British influence started with the establishment of a protectorate over Zanzibar in 1897 and continued until independence in 1963. In 1964, during the Zanzibar Revolution, a one-party government, which pursued a firm socialist command economy, was established. One of the most important measures of the new government was a radical land reform that nationalized the land of Arab landlords and redistributed the land to African small-holders. The curtailing and change of various agrarian laws and rules as well as dirigistic measures led to a steady decline in agricultural production, from 1984 onwards, more liberal policies were introduced and laws, in particular land laws, were reviewed. Subsequently important improvements — although not to the desired degree — were legislated. Particularly noteworthy in this respect are the new Land Tenure Act and the Registered Land Act, which have enabled some land transfer-rights (registration, sale, charge, lease). Although the new laws stipulate that land ownership remains vested in the state, important prerequisites have been created that may lead to increased and more sustainable agricultural production. The introduction of a multi-party system in 1992 and a multi-party election in 1995 provides hope that further improvements in the agrarian constitution of Zanzibar will receive the necessary political support to improve the socio-economic frame conditions for agriculture and life in the rural areas.
The role of women in household food security in Morogoro rural and Kilosa districts
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1998) Ishengoma, Christine Gabriel
This study was conducted to assess the role of women in in security food household Kilosa and rural Morogoro districts. The study was conducted in six villages namely: Fulwe, Msufini, Melela, Kimamba, Kidoma It Dumila. and (24 2 women and 242 men) . involved 484 respondents; Data were collected using structured questionnaires. Field questionnaires. statistics, Descriptive the supplemented data secondary and observations and chi-square multiple regression were used in the analysis. The results inadequate 1996/97, «v showed in mainly 63% due Household that: of the households inadequate to food in security was 1995/96 and (77.6%) , production early sale of produce (17.2%) and storage losses (6.2%). Males and females in the study area shared the same tasks on more or less equal basis, production and both in food and cash crop generating income activities. Women dominated in all activities of food crop production with the exception of site clearing (3.3%) transporting (42.2%) and marketing of crops (47.2%) . Performance of household activities was dominated by females. analysis indicated that the Multiple regression contribution of women in household food securitywas quite outstanding. Their labour in processing (B = 2.964905), planting (B = 2.785432),weeding 1.764507) (B and harvesting positively with the associated total 0.181580) (B production and so were quantity of fertilizer application (B = 0.472789) and education (B = 0.147557). Lack of access to capital/income (49.6%), drought . (18.8%), (12.0%), decision making power access to time agricultural knowledge (1.2%) (8.2%), and limited women contribution to household food security. Lack of access to land (5.4%) was specifically important in Kimamba village (42.9%). Reduction of meal frequency and of amount of food consumed (19.8%) , casual labour (18.2%), petty business (17.8%) and buying of food (9.9%) were the dominant coping strategies during food shortages. From the study the following recommendations are offered: There is need to improve women decision making power and accessibility to resources. For improvement of food security production of Households need to be encouraged to various foodstuffs in need the study to be area, increased. stock enough crops after harvesting and early sale of food crops should be discouraged.There is a need to improve storage Communal methods. granary could serve during the food shortages provided the pest problem is avoided. Women should be encouraged to engage in income generating activities. Extension services to these women farmers need to be improved, reliable and timely. Barter system between harvests and acquiring agricultural inputs need encouragement. This study, identifies several possible research areas. It is therefore more focused food storage, recommended studies sale of in that further connection food crops research with local and income include brewing, generating activities with special emphasis on women who are the key actors.
Socio-economic factors influencing farmers participation in agricultural marketing cooperative societies: a case study of Njombe district
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2001) Mgina, Fidea Luhwano
The study on factors influencing farmers participation in Agricultural Marketing Cooperative Societies was carried out in Njombe District. The interest in this study has been prompted by the recognition that Agricultural Marketing Cooperative Societies (AMCOS) are organizations that can help poor farmers to raise their economic status, but the extent to which they join and participate in cooperative activities is very low. Hence the general objective was to find out what factors influence farmers participation in AMCOS. All farmers who are members and non-members in Njombe District were taken as the population of the study. Four societies were randomly selected to be included in the study. A total of 120 respondents, 60 members and 60 non-members were selected for the study. Data were collected through questionnaire and review of societies records. Data were then analyzed by descriptive statistics and test of independence (Chi-square) was used. The results of the study show that, farmers join societies and continue to be members if they can get the services, which are better than what they can get from other sources. This study found that there was no relationship between members participation in AMCOS and formal education, marital status, land distribution, and land acquisition. On the other hand, cooperative member education, economic activity, cash crops, markets, prices, and membership fee have influence to members participation in AMCOS. Lack of members education and poor services offered to members by AMCOS were cited as some of the problems hindering members’ participation. It is recommended that AMCOS should improve services offered to members. Societies and the government should emphasize cooperative education to the whole society. Likewise societies should find ways of building their capital through contributions, which will be used to buy crops from farmers so as to compete with private traders who pay cash.
A study of the effects of liberalisation of agricultural inputs marketing system on inputs use in maize production: a case of Iringa Rural District
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2001) Sirili, Richard Shongoy Moshy
The study examined the effects of liberalisation of agricultural inputs marketing system on inputs use in maize production in Iringa Rural District. The specific objectives of the study were: (i) To identify sources of agricultural inputs for maize and the accessibility of the inputs to smallholder farmers, (ii) To identify smallholder farmers’ requirements for inputs and the level at which the requirements were met by the existing supply system, (iii) To identify the main constraints faced by smallholder farmers in obtaining agricultural inputs under the present supply system, (iv) To assess smallholder farmers attitude towards private input supply system, and (v) to identify and describe constraints faced by extension workers in delivering extension services to smallholder farmers in a liberalised inputs market system. The study used a cross-sectional design which involved collecting data at one point in time from a selected sample of respondents. Data were collected using an interview schedule supported by observations, and informal discussions with key informants. The study population comprised maize growing farmers in Iringa Rural District The sampling frame consisted of smallholder farmers who had been growing maize for more than two seasons prior to data collection. A simple random sample of 92 respondents was picked using a table of random numbers from four villages that were randomly selected from a list of potential maize growing divisions in Iringa Rural District. The results of the study show that the main sources of agricultural inputs to farmers were private input suppliers and traders stationed in the urban areas of the District. However, inputs were not accessible to farmers due to low purchasing power, unavailability of inputs in the rural areas and lack of creditThe analysis of the data revealed that farmers had abandoned use of basal fertilisers in maize production in favour of top dressing fertilisers because of high prices of fertilisers. Furthermore, the proportion of farmers using agricultural inputs had declined after the reforms. The research findings showed that although low purchasing power, unavailability of inputs and lack of credit were the main factors limiting accessibility of inputs to farmers, discussion with key informants revealed that low prices for maize is also an important factor discouraging farmers’ use of agricultural inputs. Farmers and extension workers perceived the agricultural input marketing system after reform as poor compared to its performance before the reform due to the following reasons (i) supply of inputs was not reliable (ii) input prices were too high and unstable (iii) quantities of inputs supplied at a time were inadequate (iv) inputs supplied by some of the traders were of low quality (v) inputs were not accessible to fanners through credit. Recommendations pertaining to this study are presented in chapter five.
Assessment of efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of farmer-to-farmer extension approach at mogabiri farm extension centre (MFEC), Tarime District- Mara Region, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture., 2001) Sonoko, Julius Mgaya
One of the several extension approaches used by NGOs in agricultural extension in Tanzania is farmer-to-farmer extension approach. This is the approach in which farmers are the primary extension agents and professionals only facilitate their work. Using project villages in Mogabiri Farm Extension Centre as study area, the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of farmer to-farmer-extension approach was studied. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on a randomly and purposively selected sample size of 75 respondents. Three types of questionnaires were developed and administered to 60 farmers, 10 FAMOs and 5 WEOs working in the project villages. The results of the study revealed that in one month period, FAMOs visited 88.3% of respondents interviewed for 1 to 5 days. Similarly, in three months period, 80% of FAMOs attended over 75% of project farmers using various extension tools. This implies that farmer-to-farmer extension approach is efficient in terms of supervision frequency and coverage. However, FAMOs were incompetent in solving some of the farmers' problems particularly control of common animal and crop diseases, pregnancy diagnosis and dystocia. Results further revealed that project farmers who adopted recommended practices realised a substantial increase in milk, coffee and cereal yields. The observed increase in yields substantiate the effectiveness of farmer- to-farmer extension services. Implementation of improved practices, growth of farmers group members and elements of cost sharing in farmer-to-farmer extension approach at MFEC show that this approach will sustain after the termination of the project. Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that FAMOs should be given appropriate and adequate training suitable in solving common problems encountered by farmers in the project areas. It is also recommended that short and long term solutions to the lack of reliable market for milk and coffee should be considered. Furthermore, it is recommended that in order to come up with sustainable extension approach, strategies should be designed to ensure that challenges like replacement of old extension facilities, shortage of working facilities and lack of incentives to FAMOs have permanent solutions.
Assessment of on-farm and off-farm income generating activities in Kisarawe district
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2002) Washa, Florence Lameck
This study was designed to assess on-farm and off-farm income generating activities in Kisarawe District.The study was conducted in five villages of Sungwi Division namely Kazimzumbwi, Sungwi, Kisarawe, Kifuru and Visegese. It involved 101 randomly selected farmers. The general objective of the study was to assess income-generating activities. The specific objectives of the study were, (a) to identify the major on-farm and off-farm income sources at household level, (b) to identify the most important sources of income at household level and, (c) to delineate the main factors on income generation for identified sources. The study used a cross-sectional design that employed the survey method. The survey population comprised of smallholder farmers in five villages of Sungwi Division. Data were collected by using structured questionnaire. A random sample of 101 respondents was picked using a table of random numbers from the sampling frame that was developed. Field observations supplemented the questionnaire. Statistical Package for Social Sciences was used to analyse the data. Frequencies and percentages were used to present the results. The findings of the study show that the major on-farm income sources are cassava, cashewnut, orange, paddy and potato production. Major off-farm income sources were carpentry work, petty business and charcoal selling. But of the two income sources, most farmers depended on more on-farm activities. Off-farm sources have low contribution to income in the District. The most important income sources were obtained from on- farm activities namely crop (cassava and cashewnut) and local chicken production. However, income generation was affected by lack of market information, vermine, lack of market, lack of credit, unreliable rainfall, high cost of inputs, pests andiii diseases. It was observed from this study that the District is only 28 kilometers from Dar es salaam, which facilitates easy transportation of produce to the main market (Kariakoo), and from town to the District. Being near the forest, raw materials for off-farm activities are obtained easily. Carpentry and charcoal business draws raw materials from the forest. About 52.5% of the respondents kept records for off-farm income generating activities. The study, among other things, recommends that Government and NGOs should mobilize the formation of farmers* groups to facilitate access to credit. The Ministry of Cooperatives and Marketing should provide market information to farmers through their associations on what to produce for both local and export markets. Well articulated official policies and incentives for the off-farm sector should be developed. Planners and policy-makers should recognize the important positive implication of improving smallholder farmers economic situation, and the need to support economic activities in the overall village development plans. There is a need for the government and Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to provide more technical and financial support to the farmers to undertake and augment income generating enterprises, such as simple technologies on processing and preservation of fruits and vegetables.
Impact of agricultural research:
(Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 2005-09) Mwaseba, Dismas L.
This study focuses on the role of agricultural research in development. In particular, the study draws on the experiences based on agricultural research conducted during the period 1980- 1990 in the Southern Highlands and Eastern Zones of Tanzania. The two zones arc part of a total of seven agricultural research zones of the National Agricultural Research System (NARS), managed by the Department of Research and Development in the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. The findings reported in this study are based on a review of earlier impact studies and fieldwork focusing on the impact of rice research programmes in the two zones. The latter, in particular, paid attention to the adoption of selected rice research-based innovations, impact of rice research on food security, and the economic costs and benefits of rice research. The review of the impact studies shows that, unlike at the international level where, since the 1990s. attention has largely focused on the poverty reducing effects of agricultural research, no similar attention has been given to the role of agricultural research in poverty reduction in Tanzania. This fits in within a broad context in which agricultural research and extension have hardly been sufficiently able to address the needs of the poor fanners. Moreover, the limited use of selected rice research-based innovations is further evidence of the inability of agricultural research to generate innovations that cater for the different categories of farmers including the poor. This study also shows a weak impact of rice research on food security. Although this could be attributed to the limited impact of rice research on crop productivity, the multiple livelihoods that farmers seek to achieve through rice production imply that food security should be understood in the context of livelihood strategics pursued by the farmer. In reference to the economic impact of rice research, besides the rates of return, which vary widely depending on assumptions informing the analysis, the study also found great fluctuation of the benefits of research reflecting the unstable nature of rice fanning carried out under rainfed conditions and limited inputs.
Communication patterns among extension personnel and farmers: a case of Dire Dawa administrative council, Ethiopia
(Sokoine Universitry of Agriculture, 2007) Lemma, Samson Eshetu
One of the most inhibiting forces to successful development is lack of effective communication within and between different actors. Likewise, communication in extension organizations takes place within the organization and outside the organization among different actors. Hence, the overall objective of the study was to assess the communication patterns among extension personnel and between farmers. The specific objectives were: to explore the relationship between personal and socio- psychological factors that affect effectiveness of communication among extension personnel and farmers; to investigate the institutional factors that affect effectiveness of communication among extension personnel and farmers; and to identify communication methods and media used by extension personnel. The research design was cross-sectional survey. The study used a multi-stage stratified sampling to select respondents. A total of 120 farmers, 30 VEWs, and 23 SMSs were selected for the study. Data were collected from both primary and secondary sources using self administered questionnaires, interview schedule, group discussion, semi- structured interview, informal discussions, and observations. Data were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics (percentage and frequency), chi-square, and correlation. The results of the study revealed that communication apprehension level had relation with some of personal factors of the extension personnel and weak communication existed between extension personnel and other organizations, and farmers’ contact with the extension personnel was inadequate. The results further pointed out that transportation, lack of improved technologies and relevant information, and involvement of VEWs in non-extension activities were important problems that affect communication among extension personnel and with farmers.ii Utilization of communication methods and media by the extension personnel was insignificant. Comprehensive training, establishing rural development task force, co- ordinated field visit program, and improve the work relationship to different organizations are among the recommendations drawn to improve effectiveness of communication patterns among extension personnel and farmers in the study area.
Conflicts in the Evangelical Lutheran church in Tanzania. the case study of Meru diocese, Arusha, Tanzania.
(2007) Mmbaga, Stanley Kajiru
Conflicts have been happening since God’s creation (RSV, 1978). A number of factors contribute to conflicts and some take a long time before they are solved, yet leave permanent scars or destructions, others are not solved or worked on, and the society talks about them like folk stories (Mndcme A, Personal communication, 2006). Among the factors contributing to these conflicts include; selfishness, money, fame and jealousness (Ayo M, Personal communication, 2006). Selfishness, which also involves money, to a great extent is what has lead to the problems many of the Evangelical Lutheran Churches (ELCT) in Tanzania are lacing. The main purpose of this study was to assess the causes and effects of conflicts in the ELCT. The objectives of the study were, first to assess socio-economic factors leading Christians into conflicts, and secondly, to investigate conilict management mechanisms. Data for the study were collected using questionnaire survey. Questionnaire survey was done in the Parishes of Meru Diocese. Data were coded, analyzed and verified. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze quantitative data. Findings of the study suggest that selfishness; greed, misuse of church funds and the lack of transparency arc major causes of conflicts. The main impact has been the creation of a new diocese, destruction of property, and loss of life. The results of this study provide some suggestions to the church leaders to be cooperative, honest, transparent and spiritually dynamic. It also provides appropriate use of the word of God in times of misunderstandings and chaos on church affairs. The study also suggests leaders to be transparent and to share information with believers all the time, especially during misunderstandings. The study further suggests that when problems occur church leaders should resolve them as soon enough to reduce their effects. Conflicts can be solved if strategies are laid down and involving equally all parties in the conflict.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of KATC approaches in improving smallholders’ irrigated rice productivity: a case of selected irrigation schemes in Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2007) Nzully, Hanif Jamal
Farmer training is essentially an agricultural extension education with a non-formal function, which applies to any institution that disseminates information and advice with the intention of promoting knowledge, attitudes, skills, and aspirations. When systematically and effectively provided, extension is known to enhance social and economic development. In terms of agricultural extension systems, different approaches can be employed to organize and implement extension activities. Each approach may be conceived as appropriate in particular circumstances and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. The present study evaluates the effectiveness of KATC training approaches in improving smallholders’ irrigated rice productivity whereby two irrigation schemes, namely, Mombo and Mwega irrigation schemes in Korogwe and Kilosa districts respectively were selected. A cross-sectional survey design was applied in the study. A simple structured questionnaire and interview schedule were used in data collection from a sample of 122 respondents, which included three categories of trained farmers and extension officers. The study findings revealed statistical significant differences at p<0.000 between means among the trained farmers towards their preferences to the use of KF-IF-OF extension approach. The results also showed that the majority of the respondents 102 (94.4%) preferred field training approaches, 100 respondents (92.6%) preferred demonstrations and farmer managed trials, and 99 respondents (91.7%) field and farmers days. Since the KFs and the IFs had higher levels of adoption in 18 out of 24 innovations, the study concludes that the KF-IF-OF extension approach was effectiveiii in dissemination and increasing the adoption of innovations within the first two categories of KFs and IFs. Of all the 108 respondents, 88 (81.5%) indicated that the greatest strength of the KATC training approaches was the participatory nature of all approaches used in the training programme. However, the study results revealed that the IFs had more weaknesses in fulfilling the training requirement than the KFs. Generally, the study findings imply that the KF-IF-OF approach had been effective in increasing the adoption of innovations leading to an increase in irrigated rice yields. This study recommends that in order to deliver effective and efficient extension services to other farmers through KF-IF-OF extension approach, the KATC should give KFs and IFs appropriate and adequate training suitable in solving common problems encountered in implementing their roles as farmers and as farmer extensionists.
Msimu wa Kupanda:
(Wageningen University, 2007) Tittonell, Pablo A.
Soil fertility decline is the major single factor explaining the decrease in per capita food production in sub-Saharan Africa. Integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) is an approach to improving or restoring soil productivity, based on combinations of organic and mineral fertilisers, improved germplasm and hb-fixation. but its adoption by farmers has been limited. Smallholder farms in sub-Saharan Africa are highly diverse, heterogeneous and dynamic, and operate in complex socio-ecological environments. Much of the heterogeneity within the farming systems is caused by spatial soil variability. This affects the performance of ISFM technologies, which must be then targeted strategically within heterogeneous farming systems to ensure their propensity to enhance the efficiency of resource (e.g. land, labour, nutrients) use al inrm scale. An analytical framework in which systems analysis is aided by survey, experiments and simulation modelling was used to analyse farming futures in the highlands of East Africa. Case study farms from six moderate to high potential agricultural areas in central and western Kenya and eastern Uganda were characterized to identify the diversity of livelihood strategics and understand the main drivers of farm heterogeneity. Constraints to the performance of ISFM technologies and opportunities for efficient targeting of resources within heterogeneous smallholder farms were analysed considering short and long-term horizons, scaling up from field to farm scale, and contextualising livelihood opportunities at regional scale. Across sites, population densities varied from 250 to 1000 inhabitants km'2, which translated in 11 to 4 months year'1 of food self-sufficiency. Based on resource endowment, dependence on off-farm income and production objectives, households were grouped into five Farm Types: I. Subsidised by off-farm employment; 2. Marketoriented, cash-crops farms; 3. expanding, medium resource endowment farms; 4. Subsisting, partly on non-farm activities; and 5. Dependent, wage labourers. Despite their differences in access to resources for soil management, these Fann Types differed more in the degree of soil heterogeneity than in the average fertility status at farm scale. Across sites, soil heterogeneity was smaller on farms owning more cattle. The productivity of maize, the main crop in most of the region, was highly variable within individual farms, strongly influenced by variation in both current crop management (e.g. planting dates, fertilizer rates) and soil fertility (influenced by past soil and crop management). In a classification and regression tree analysis (CART), resource use intensity, planting density, and time of planting were the principal variables determining yield, but at low resource intensity, total soil N and soil Olsen P became important yield-determining factors. Soil heterogeneity also affected crop responses to fertilisers from a maximum of 4.4-fold to -0.5-fold relative to the control in soils varying in organic C and P availability. Across sites in western Kenya, P was the most limiting nutrient for crop production, and P availabilities > 10 mg kg'1 were only measured in soils with > 10 g kg'1 organic C. Such co-variation is induced by day-to-day management decisions fanners make when facing trade-offs in the allocation of their limited resources. A study using inverse modelling allowed analysing tradeoffs of this nature, coupling the dynamic crop/soil simulation model DYNBAL with a Metropolis-type of search algorithm (MOSCEM) and linking crop husbandry practices to labour availability. In a heterogeneous farm, the allocation ol fertiliser and labour favoured the fields around the homestead, where the efficiency ol nutrient capture was the largest. Productivity could be increased up to a certain threshold beyond which N losses by leaching and soil erosion losses increased abruptly, when fertilisers were applied to the most degraded outllelds of the farm. These fields must be rehabilitated through ISFM technologies ensuring organic mailer additions, before crops growing on them can respond to nutrient applications. However, the quality of manure common in smallholder farms (e.g.. 23 - 35% C. <*.5 1.2% N. 0.1 - 0.3% P) and their availability are restrictive. This prevents a quick (hysteretic) soil restoration. Competing uses for crop residues on the farm lin~.ii I lie capacity of fertilisers to restore soil fertility. In simulations using the crop/soil model for long-term dynamics FIELD, which was developed, calibrated and tested agam>s 4 independent datasets, soils receiving combined manure and fertiliser applications over 12 years stored between 1.1 to 1.5 t C ha’1 year’1 when 70% of the crop residue was retained in the field, and between 0.4 to 0.7 t C ha’1 year’1 when only 10% of residues were retained. In mixed crop-livestock systems, crop residues are used to feed livestock, which in turn provide manure to fertiliser crops. When farmers in western Kenya designed ideal farms through participator}' prototyping, they emphasised on I he importance of such interactions, but tended to overestimate the necessary nutrient Hows. A study using the farm-scale model FARMSIM, which integrates FIELD with livestock and manure-cycling models dynamically, showed that although tightlymanaged crop-livestock interactions allowed a more efficient tfse of nutrients brought in the system as fertilisers, the trajectory of change from the current to the ideal fanning system is hardly feasible for a majority of farmers. Sustainable intensification should be an aim in the design of ISFM options, partly by intensification of nutrient inputs (removing constraints) and partly by implementing qualitative changes in the configuration of the farming systems (removing inefficiencies). However, the context in which farming systems operate cannot be overlooked. Based on their agroecological potential and market opportunities, and conditioned by population pressure, different sites or regions have a certain propensity to stimulate either: hanging-in (subsistence), stepping-up (market orientation) or steppine-out (off/non-farm income) livelihood strategics.
Farmer’s perceptions on the effectiveness of cooperatives in disseminating agricultural technologies in Ethiopia: a case of Adea district .
(okoine university of agriculture., 2008) Mekuria, Alemayehu Shishigu
For a long period of time within different political systems cooperative societies have served as farmer organizations to give credit and to disseminate agricultural inputs in order to attain increased production and productivity of smallholders. However, dissemination of agricultural technologies were forcibly transferred using top-down approaches with minimum participation and giving less emphasis to the priority needs of the farmers. This study examines farmer perceptions on the effectiveness of cooperatives in disseminating agricultural technologies with emphasis on major factors that limit technology dissemination in selected primary cooperatives in Adea district in Ethiopia. The study is based on literature review, interviews and collecting data using semi-structured questionnaire. A cross-sectional survey method was employed for the study. From the sample frame, six cooperatives were selected purposively by setting specific criteria. From each cooperative society 15 members and 5 non members were selected randomly and purposively, respectively. In the study descriptive statistics like frequencies, mean, percentage, chi-square test, correlation and t-test were employed to analyze the data using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The main finding of this study show that cooperative have a serious shortage of working capital, work seasonally and focuses mainly on input distribution during planting time and purchasing agricultural products from farmers living in respective cooperative areas during harvesting time. This limitation is due to poor planning and management, lack of credit, irregular extension service, loose linkage with stakeholders, and lack of market information. Furthermore, survey results revealed that empowerment of farmers through farmer organizations and farmer’s priority needs were given less attention. Therefore, from the findings of the study it is recommended and insists that policy makers and concerned institutions should design a system that can enable cooperative to work all year round, improve market information, credit system, extension service based on regular program, and priority needs of the farmers.
Dissemination status of agroforestry technologies among the communities: a case study of Uyui district Tabora, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2008) Kyamani, Candidah Ignatio
The present study was conducted in Uyui District, Tabora Tanzania from November 2006 to January 2007. The aim of the study was to make an assessment on the status of agroforestry dissemination in Uyui District. Specifically, the study assessed the origin and status of agroforestry dissemination in the study area, agroforestry technologies adopted by local communities, benefits gained by the farmers through adoption of agroforestry technologies, constraints to scaling-up agroforestry and possible agroforestry interventions required for programme activity improvement. Data collection methods involved reconnaissance, household interviews, and field surveys. Systematic random sampling was employed to select 20 sample households from selected wards and villages. Data obtained from households were supplemented with the results from the discussions with key informants. Data were analyzed by the SPSS and Excel softwares, ANOVA and LSD tools. The results indicated that, while Agroforestry research started at the ARI-Tumbi in 1987, wider dissemination of the proven useful technologies started during the 2000/01 cropping season, and that by 2006 10% of the Uyui district population had adopted agroforestry. The results further indicated that the ICRAF through SADC/ICRAF Agroforestry project in collaboration with various institutions was the originator of the Agroforestry programmes in the district. About four technologies were disseminated to farmers from which “Improved fallow” and “Woodlots” technologies were found to be the most widely adopted by the local communities in the district while Boundary planting and Fodder bank were less adopted. These technologies have started to provide some of the various benefits to farmers e.g. fuelwood, poles and income. Based on the discussion of these results together with the identified constraints to the effective dissemination of those technologies and determined corrective measures, it is recommended to strengthen extension services, integration of more useful and diversified tree species to increase benefits for the communities from the Agroforestry technologies

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