An Effective Aquaculture Extension System from Farmers Perspective: The Case of Selected Villages in Morogoro and Dar es Salaam Regions, Tanzania

Abstract

This study was conducted in Morogoro and Dar es Salaam regions in Tanzania to identify an effective aquaculture extension system. A field survey design was employed, and data collected from a sample size of 234 respondents randomly selected amongst 600 fish farmers. Data were collected using structured questionnaire, participatory rural appraisal, and secondary information sources. The information was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences and validated by mean percentage. The results indicated that farmer-to-farmer diffusion of information was the major source of fish farming information for farmers. This source reached most farmers, including the disadvantaged rural based farmers, resource poor, less educated and women. In addition, this source was mentioned by most farmers as of high quality and easily accessible. Similarly, farmer-to-farmer extension visited most farmers more often than other sources of information, and was consulted by most farmers when faced with problems. Regionally, government extension system and reading materials also played a significant role in the diffusion of aquaculture information to peri-urban farmers, and were considered to be of high quality and very accessible. This study recommends that the aquaculture division should identify the institutional mechanism through which farmer-to-farmer extension will operate and strengthen it through short and long term training programs. Government and projects extension professionals should support the system through technical training, study tours, publications and networking. Likewise, since educated and well-off farmers in peri-urban areas can access information, government offices should be equipped with well-trained extension personnel and materials to serve this category.