Institute of Continuing Education - ICE

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Browsing Institute of Continuing Education - ICE by Subject "Agroecology"

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    Agroecological practices and extension services in the mixed farming system of Tanzania: a review of related policies
    (Agriculture and Biotechnology, 2025) Magesa Augustino Emmanuel; Shausi Gosbert Lukenku; Mosha Devotha Baltazary; Rutatora Deogratias Frederick
    Agroecological practices are increasingly recognized globally for their capacity to enhance the sustainability, resilience, and productivity of agricultural systems, particularly in mixed farming systems prevalent in developing countries like Tanzania. Grounded in principles of biodiversity, ecological balance, and socio-economic equity, agroecology provides a transformative pathway for sustainable agricultural development. This review employs qualitative content analysis and comparative policy analysis to critically assess policy frameworks at the global, regional (e.g., African Union’s Agenda 2063), East African Community (EAC), and national levels (e.g., National Agriculture Policy 2013, ASDP II) that influence the adoption of agroecological practices, with a specific focus on mixed farming systems in Karatu District, Manyara Region. The findings reveal that while global and regional frameworks are broadly supportive of agroecology, national policies demonstrate significant gaps in implementation, including the absence of localized agroecological indicators, weak institutional coordination, and limited integration of sustainability principles. A major constraint identified is the inadequate role of agricultural extension services in promoting agroecological knowledge and practices; over 60% of farmers in Karatu reported minimal access to ecological extension support due to capacity shortfalls and policy misalignment. To address these challenges, the study recommends integrating agroecological indicators into national policy frameworks, strengthening extension service capacity through targeted training, mobilizing financial resources, promoting participatory approaches, and implementing land tenure and gender-inclusive reforms to enable a more effective and equitable agroecological transition in Tanzania.
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    Agroecology issues in agricultural policy and allied science policies in Tanzania
    (East African Nature and Science Organization, 2024) Mosha Devotha B.; Nyanda Suzan Samson; Mwaseba Dismas L.
    The science and philosophy of agroecology are widely proposed as substantial aspects of the agricultural transition toward a sustainable food system and an eco-friendly environment. Yet, the extent to which agricultural and other allied policies are embedded with agroecology issues is little known, especially in African countries. This study assessed what and how agroecology narratives are integrated, interpreted, or embedded in policies, acts, and regulations of agriculture and allied sciences. A mixed methods approach was employed. The findings revealed that agroecology is not clearly narrated in these policy documents. The policies do not mention agroecology directly, but they point out some disputes or elements such as biodiversity, crop diversification, agroforestry, conservation agriculture and cropping and grazing land rotation, which are relevant for agroecology intensification. This means that in these policy documents, narratives supporting agroecology are insufficient. Thus, we recommend that taking on board policy narratives that directly support the adoption and implementation of agroecological practices is imperative.
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    Challenges of disseminating agroecological knowledge and practices: experience from farmer research networks in Singida District, Tanzania
    (Science domain International, 2026-04-29) Athumani Hadia Mwarizo; Kalungwizi Vituce J.; Mosha Devotha B.; Mwaseba Dismas L.
    Farmer Research Networks (FRNs) are essential for disseminating and promoting the adoption of agroecological (AE) knowledge and practices among smallholder farmers. However, many issues that restrict the efficient dissemination of AE knowledge and practices that frequently hinder FRN efforts are poorly documented. This paper examined the challenges of disseminating AE knowledge and practices faced by FRNs in Singida District in Tanzania. The study used a cross-sectional research design where data were collected at a single point in time. Qualitative data were collected using focus group discussions, key informants, and In-depth interviews. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data. The study findings show that the recurrent obstacles, such as resistance to change, are because most farmers are still dubious about AE practices because of firmly rooted traditional farming attitudes and the labor-intensive nature of some techniques, such as the nine-seeds hole method and compost-making. The findings revealed that FRNs face challenges in reaching all farmers due to limited access to resources like financing and transportation, and village meetings do not give enough time for in-depth instruction and hands-on demonstrations. Gender inequality and social barriers to women's involvement in decision-making and the sharing of AE knowledge are further restricted by social and cultural norms. Furthermore, the lack of expertise in new AE technologies impacts FRNs' capacity to deliver current information, highlighting the importance of ongoing tailor-made training. This study recommends that policymakers should allocate more significant resources to addressing the perceived obstacles associated with comprehensively disseminating AE knowledge and practices.
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    Extension service needs in mixed farming systems based on elements of agroecology in Karatu District, Arusha Region, Tanzania
    (South African Journal of Agricultural Extension (SAJAE), 2026) Magesa, A.E.; Shausi, G.L; Mosha, D.B.
    This study investigated the extension services needed to transition mixed farming systems towards agroecological practices grounded in agroecological principles in Karatu District, Arusha Region, Northern Tanzania. As agroecology gains traction globally to combat climate change, biodiversity loss, and food insecurity, its uptake in sub-Saharan Africa, including Tanzania and the Karatu district, remains limited due to extension models that favour high- input, monocultural systems. A cross-sectional research design was used, involving 94 smallholder farmers across seven purposively selected villages. Data were collected using structured questionnaires guided by the modified FAO’s Tool for Agroecology Performance Evaluation (TAPE) and the Borich Needs Assessment model. Results, which on this part are based on the most needed, show that farmers need financial support such as incentives (98.9%) for diversity, improved infrastructure (98.9%), access to cover crops (98.9%), trees, and better space management (100%) for synergies, organic materials (98.9%) and biological inputs (100%) for efficiency, renewable energy technologies (100%) and water-saving equipment (98.9%) for recycling. Others include market access (98.9%) and climate adaptation tools (100%) to build resilience, access to diverse and nutritious foods (98.9%) to preserve culture and food traditions, improved resources for animal welfare (98.9%) to ensure human and social values; support for increased local production; support for increased local production (98.9%) for a circular and solidarity economy. The study concludes that effective extension services should integrate training, input access, market linkages, and policy support to facilitate the gradual transition and promotion of mixed farming systems towards agroecology. The study recommends integrated support, access to inputs, training, market linkages, and supportive agroecological policies.