Agroecological practices and extension services in the mixed farming system of Tanzania: a review of related policies
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Date
2025
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Agriculture and Biotechnology
Abstract
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.
Description
Journal Article
Keywords
Agroecology, Mixed Farming Systems, Extension Services, Agricultural Policies, Sustainable Agriculture.
Citation
https://doi.org/10.37284/eajab.8.1.2882