A study of research-extension-farmer linkage in the central zone, Tanzania
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Date
2011
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
In the past agricultural research institutes have been working almost in isolation without
involving other stakeholders in agricultural development. The government has restructured
the ZARDIs funds in the effort to strengthen research-extension-farmer linkages. In this
respect, the present study investigated the research-extension-farmer linkage based on
current institutional arrangement particularly in the central zone. Three Districts namely
Mpwapwa, Chamwino and Dodoma Municipality in Dodoma Region were selected for
this study. The study population consisted of research staff in the zone, extension staff and
fanners from the three Districts. Structured questionnaires were used in data collection.
The cuirenl arrangement has created several opportunities to strengthen linkage. These are
agricultural technologies developed on farmers’ fields and availability of ZARDEF and
DADPs which enable stakeholders to undertake participatory activities. Reading materials,
agricultural shows and on farm experiments were found to be highly effective in linking
stakeholders in the dissemination of agricultural technologies. The zone has adequate
number of qualified staff at all levels. Presence of ZRELO facilitates easy flow ol
agricultural information although the ZIELU is not so effective. The zone has conductec
40% of their experiments on fanners’ fields and a block farm of about 300 acres of grape
vine has been established on farmers’ fields. The zone is still facing challenges in linkage
activities. Lack of adequate and timely funding for research and extension was found to be
a major problem that impairs effective planning for joint activities. The ZIELU was foum
to be ineffective as there were no permanent office. Cost sharing for research activitie
was still a problem as the Districts do not yet contribute funds for research activities. Th
study recommends the following: early disbursement and increasing research an
extension funds, improving ZIELU and cost sharing in research and extension activities s
as to strengthen the linkage.
Description
Master's Theses
Keywords
Research-extension-farmer linkage, Agricultural research, Central zone, Tanzania