Farmer research networks project and adoption of improved groundnut cultivars amongst smallholder farmers in Singida District of Central Tanzania
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Date
2024-05
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Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
Despite being one of the most vital food and income crops in the
world, studies show that groundnut is not widely adopted by farmers.
Age, gender, education, group participation, and seed accessibility
were amongst the characteristics that were reported to influence the
adoption. However, the impact of these factors on the adoption of
improved groundnut cultivars amongst Singida Farmer Research
Networks project beneficiaries' is not sufficiently documented.
Farmer Research Networks (FRNs) is a collaborative strategy
designed to aid the agro ecological intensification of smallholder
farming. Although FRN was intended for use in Latin America and
Africa, there is little information available on how its implementation,
especially the three FRN principles, affects the uptake of agricultural
technologies. This study sought to assess the factors that influence
the adoption of improved groundnuts by smallholder farmers in the
research networks project in Singida District. Specifically, the study
(1) assessed how FRN guiding principles, that is, i) farmer
participation, ii) usefulness of on-farm research, and iii) collaboration
amongst players in networks, were applied in enabling farmersā
adoption of improved groundnuts. The study, (2) determined the
relationship between access to improved seeds and the adoption of
improved groundnuts, and (3) analysed factors that influenced the
adoption of improved groundnut cultivars amongst the beneficiaries
of FRN project. The study was guided by innovation systems,
networks, and Roger's theories of innovation diffusion. A cross-
sectional research design and mixed research methods were
employed. Content analysis and descriptive statistics were used to
assess how FRN principles were applied to influence the adoption of
improved groundnuts. The binary logistic regression model
(inferential statistics) was used to determine the relationship
between access to improved seeds and the adoption of improved
groundnuts, together with other factors that influenced the adoption
of improved groundnuts. Chi-square test cross-tabulations were
used to compare the socioeconomic traits of farmers. Farmers' perceptions regarding the adoption of improved groundnuts in
relation to service accessibility, technological features, and the
institutional environment were measured using a Likert scale.
Findings show that farmers took part in establishing FRN groups,
producing seeds with quality declarations, and offering farmer-to-
farmer extension services. In order for farmers to observe,
understand, and use the innovation, on-farm research was essential
for observational and experimental study. Players work together
through project meetings, farmers' field days, and mutual research,
learning, and resource sharing. It is concluded that farmers engaged
in on-farm research and worked together with various network
participants, demonstrating that FRN principles were used to sway
consumers to adopt improved groundnuts. Additionally, the study
showed that socioeconomic factors such as age, sex, marital status,
education, and wealth had no discernible impact on the adoption of
improved groundnuts. Three criteria, including FRN group
membership, seed accessibility, and technological traits including
agro ecological zone adaptability, high yields, early maturation,
drought tolerance, pest and disease resistance, had a substantial
impact on the adoption of improved groundnuts. The majority of
farmers had positive opinions of the institutional context,
technological characteristics, and accessibility to services for the
adoption of improved groundnuts. The report recommends for
encouraging farmer participation in the initial meetings and fostering
connections between farmers and more actors. Sensitization of
more farmers to join groups, increased timely seed availability, and
accessibility of improved groundnut cultivars with the characteristics
preferable to farmers are essential in this regard.
Description
MSc Dissertation
Keywords
Farmer Research Networks Project, Groundnut Cultivars, Smallholder Farmers, Singida District, Central Tanzania