Farmer research networks project and adoption of improved groundnut cultivars amongst smallholder farmers in Singida District of Central Tanzania

MSc Dissertation

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 farmers‘ 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.

The McKnight Foundation through its Crop Collaborative Research Programme (CCRP) under the Farmers Research Networks (FRN) Project being implemented by RECODA.