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