Transfer and utilisation of selected agricultural production innovations in Tanzania: a case of Kilosa district
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Date
2010
Authors
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Publisher
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
Farmers can potentially increase their productivity through adoption of agricultural
production innovations, practices, and new input packages, if appropriate extension
services are put in place.
However, many conventional extension approaches in
Tanzania have received criticism for being limited to demonstration of technologies.
limited use of farmer’s knowledge, and using the already packaged information.
Thus, this study) was conducted to assess the extent of availability, transfer and
utilisation of selected cotton and maize agricultural production innovations in Kilosa
district, Morogoro region.
Specific objectives of the study were to: identify
agricultural production innovations available to the extension service; determine the
extent to which agricultural production innovations are transferred and utilised; and
identify factors contributing to success or failure in transfer and utilisation of
agricultural production innovations.
Data were collected from 144 respondents
including 120 farmers. 4 extension workers and 20 key informants using
questionnaires, researcher’s diary and checklist. Data were processed and analysed
using SPSS computer programme and “content" analysis technique. The findings
showed that agricultural production innovations are generally available although in
forms that vary in terms of degree to which they can be helpful to the field extension
worker and the farmer. The extent of transfer of agricultural production innovations
tends to vary from crop to crop, depending on emphasis given by the government in
favour of a particular crop. It was concluded that some of the constraints to transfer
such innovations arc of extension nature while others are clearly beyond the
responsibilities of the extension worker. The study recommended that efforts be
made to refine agricultural production innovations; provision of necessary incentives
lo extension workers (such as transport and regular in-service training): and
undertake case studies on interaction between field extension workers and farmers.
Description
Master thesis
Keywords
Agricultural production innovations, Tanzania, Kilosa district