Extension service needs in mixed farming systems based on elements of agroecology in Karatu District, Arusha Region, Tanzania
| dc.contributor.author | Magesa, A.E. | |
| dc.contributor.author | Shausi, G.L | |
| dc.contributor.author | Mosha, D.B. | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-08-24T06:52:15Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-08-24T06:52:15Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2026 | |
| dc.description | S. Afr. J. Agric. Ext. pp.121-147 | |
| dc.description.abstract | 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. | |
| dc.identifier.citation | https://sajae.co.za/pt_BR/article/view/22891/25939 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://www.suaire.sua.ac.tz/handle/20.500.14820/7915 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | South African Journal of Agricultural Extension (SAJAE) | |
| dc.subject | Agroecology | |
| dc.subject | Mixed Farming Systems | |
| dc.subject | Extension Services | |
| dc.subject | Farmer Needs Assessment | |
| dc.subject | Sustainable Agriculture. | |
| dc.title | Extension service needs in mixed farming systems based on elements of agroecology in Karatu District, Arusha Region, Tanzania | |
| dc.type | Article |