Browsing by Author "Athumani Hadia Mwarizo"

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Challenges of disseminating agroecological knowledge and practices: experience from farmer research networks in Singida District, Tanzania
(Science domain International, 2026-04-29) Athumani Hadia Mwarizo; Kalungwizi Vituce J.; Mosha Devotha B.; Mwaseba Dismas L.
Farmer Research Networks (FRNs) are essential for disseminating and promoting the adoption of agroecological (AE) knowledge and practices among smallholder farmers. However, many issues that restrict the efficient dissemination of AE knowledge and practices that frequently hinder FRN efforts are poorly documented. This paper examined the challenges of disseminating AE knowledge and practices faced by FRNs in Singida District in Tanzania. The study used a cross-sectional research design where data were collected at a single point in time. Qualitative data were collected using focus group discussions, key informants, and In-depth interviews. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data. The study findings show that the recurrent obstacles, such as resistance to change, are because most farmers are still dubious about AE practices because of firmly rooted traditional farming attitudes and the labor-intensive nature of some techniques, such as the nine-seeds hole method and compost-making. The findings revealed that FRNs face challenges in reaching all farmers due to limited access to resources like financing and transportation, and village meetings do not give enough time for in-depth instruction and hands-on demonstrations. Gender inequality and social barriers to women's involvement in decision-making and the sharing of AE knowledge are further restricted by social and cultural norms. Furthermore, the lack of expertise in new AE technologies impacts FRNs' capacity to deliver current information, highlighting the importance of ongoing tailor-made training. This study recommends that policymakers should allocate more significant resources to addressing the perceived obstacles associated with comprehensively disseminating AE knowledge and practices.
Farmer research networks and dissemination of agroecological knowledge and practices in Singida District of Tanzania
(2025-02-27) Athumani Hadia Mwarizo; Mosha Devotha B.; Kalungwizi Vituce J.; Mwaseba Dismas L.
The paper explores different methods used by Farmer Research Networks (FRNs) to disseminate agroecological knowledge and practices in Singida District, Tanzania. The study used crosssectional research design, using a qualitative research approach. Data were collected from 75 participants of focus group discussions, 19 key informants, 26 in-depth interviewees and personal observations. The data collected were analysed using thematic analysis, a structured method to identify patterns and themes based on the study topic. The use of natural pesticides (biopesticides), use of organic fertilizer (mainly compost), intercropping, crop rotation, mixed cropping, nine seed planting methods, Zambian hoe, soil conservation techniques (mainly mulching), timely planting as well as application of recommended spacing are common and major practices in Singida district. FRNs used farmer field schools (FFSs), village government meetings, demonstration plots, farmer-to-farmer knowledge sharing, and community groups as the main methods for disseminating agroecology knowledge and practices to farmers. These methods create a wide awareness of agroecological knowledge and practices among farmers in the study villages. It is recommended that local government authorities and development organisations should utilize FRNs to disseminate agroecological evidence-based knowledge and practices to farmers and scale up the utilization of the FRN approach to communicate and disseminate recommended agroecological and agricultural practices for sustainable farming and food systems in Tanzania.