Effectiveness of farmer field schools on adoption of improved maize production technologies in Chato district, Tanzania
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Date
2014
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
This study sought to determine the effectiveness of Farmer Field School on the adoption
of maize production technologies in Chato District. Specifically it aimed at assessing the
knowledge and attitude of FFS and NFFS members regarding improved technologies;
identifying socio-economic factors influencing knowledge and attitude on adoption of
improved technologies to farmers and finally to determine the extent of adoption of the
maize improved technologies. An interview schedule was used to collect primary data
from 120 randomly selected respondents consisting of 60 FFS farmers and 60NFFS
farmers. Quantitative data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences
Computer Programme. A t- test was used to test difference in knowledge, attitude and
adoption of technologies between FFS and NFFS farmers. A Multiple Linear Regression
Model was used to test the influence of socio-economic variables on knowledge, attitude
and adoption in the study area. The study revealed that FFS participants were more
knowledgeable, having a positive attitude and mostly adopted the improved maize
technologies more than NFFS participants. Land size, annual household incomes and
household size significantly influenced knowledge, attitudes and adoption of improved
maize production technologies at p<0.05.It is recommended that FFS for farmers training
should be strengthened and used as a means to improve their farming knowledge,
changing their attitudes as well as making them adopt the best farming technologies.
Description
Masters' Theses
Keywords
Farmer field schools, Improved maize production technologies, Chato district, Tanzania