Factors influencing research-extension-farmer linkages in Tanzania: a case of the Western agricultural research zone

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.