Factors Influencing Research –Extension – Farmer Linkages In Tanzania: A Case Of The Western Agricultural Research Zone

ABSTRACT

Research and extension must collaborate effectively through research - extension –farmer

linkages in order to bring increased agricultural productivity, income and reduction of

rural poverty. However, these linkages have been reported to be weak. This study

examined factors influencing research – extension – farmer linkages in the Western

Agricultural Research Zone of Tanzania. It focused on four districts in the zone namely

Kasulu and Kigoma in Kigoma Region and Urambo and Uyui in Tabora Region. Specific

objectives were to: identify existing research - extension - farmer linkages, identify

innovative linkages, and describe factors enhancing and/or affecting linkages and to

recommend ecologically sustainable strategies for strengthening linkages. Research design

of this study was cross sectional. Data were collected through personal interviews and

focused group discussions with extension workers, researchers and farmers and through

discussions with key officials of the Ministry of Agriculture Food Security and

Cooperatives and NGOs. A sample of 73 respondents composed of 39 farmers, 23

extension workers and 11 researchers was drawn from sampling frames that were

developed. A table of random numbers was used for random selection of farmers and

extension workers while purposive selection was applied for researchers. Findings show

that existing linkages are farm trials, demonstrations and Farmer Field Schools while

innovative linkages are through cell phones and internet. Furthermore, findings show

positive factors which enhance linkages and negative factors that inhibit linkages.

Majority of researchers (91%) and extension workers (57%) reported that positive factors

are innovative mechanisms and government policy initiatives. Innovative mechanisms

included cell phones and internet while policy initiatives include the ASDP and the

National Agricultural Policy (2008). In case of negative factors, majority of researchers

(91%) and extension staff (87%) mentioned inadequate funds. Based on findings the study

recommends the following strategies for strengthening linkages in the Western Zone:

increased internal funding of linkage activities instead of donor funding which is

unsustainable and crop seed multiplication in the zone to ensure increased availability of

recommended seeds. Another strategy is strengthening coordination through establishment

of a national liaison unit which will link extension and research units of MAFC and

coordinate zonal liaison units (ZIELUs), and through promotion of teamwork,

commitment and doing business unusual among Agricultural Sector Lead Ministries.