Factors influencing extension service delivery in maize production by using agricultural innovation system in Morogoro and Dodoma Regions, Tanzania

C P Msuya ,R.m Wambura

doi:10.17159/2413-3221/2016/v44n2a431

Abstract

Conventional extension system in Tanzania has recorded limited success in improving agricultural productivity including maize production in the country. The Agricultural Innovation System (AIS) approach in extension service delivery deemed desirable in addressing the challenge. However little is known about the factors influencing delivery of extension service by using AIS. A study was conducted in Morogoro and Dodoma Regions to investigate the identified gap. A cross sectional research design was used to collect data from 345 respondents randomly selected from a population of various actors involved in the maize value chain. Key informant interviews and Focus group discussions were also used in data collection. Observations were used to supplement the collected information. The collected quantitative data were analyzed by using the Statistical Package for Social Science computer program while content analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data. The study findings show that factors influencing performance of extension service delivery include Extension staffs’ inadequate knowledge and skills on providing advice by using Agricultural Innovation System. Others were availability, affordability, efficiency, relevance and costs of extension service delivery. Based on the study findings it is concluded that despite the relevance of AIS over conventional extension system, there are a number of factors influencing delivery of extension service using AIS that might in turn bring effect on maize production the study areas. It is therefore recommended that negative factors should be addressed for effective performance of the system to improve maize production. Keywords: Extension service delivery, Agricultural Innovation System approach (AIS), Maize production

Highlights

In Tanzania agricultural extension advisory service is regarded as one of the main drivers to agricultural production and productivity
During the focus group discussion and key informant interviews it was informed that most of the extension agents provide advice on maize production leaving other aspects in the chain like processing, marketing and consumption. They focus mostly on farmers and neglecting other actors in the innovation system and value chain in particular. It was further informed during the focus group discussion with officials in the Ministry of Agriculture that this problem is due to the fact that most of the extension staff was trained on agricultural production aspects and not the entire value chain and innovation system in general which limit them to provide service on the same
This implies that they use a conventional extension approach which is contrary to Spielman & Birner, (2008) who suggest the use of Agricultural innovation system

Summary

Introduction

In Tanzania agricultural extension advisory service is regarded as one of the main drivers to agricultural production and productivity. Conventional extension system has recorded limited success in improving agricultural productivity including maize production in the country. Maize ranks first among the major cereal grains grown in Tanzania and the main staple food for the entire population. The crop is mainly grown by smallholder farmers on 1-3 ha holdings accounting for about 85% of the total crop production (URT, 2007). Twothirds of Tanzanian farmers are engaged in maize production, broad pro-poor growth can be achieved by targeting maize productivity. Maize is the main staple crop, yield levels are still low. According to Mwanga (2010) the national maize yield growth rate is 2.4% per annum, which is 0.3% less than the population growth rate.

Objectives

Methods

Results