Browsing by Author "Martin, R."

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A comparative analysis of RIPAT and other selected participatory rural development approaches used in Tanzania.
(Mkuki na Nyota, 2023) Madaha, Rasel; Martin, R.; Mwakatoga, J.
Influenced by the African socialism philosophy of the late Julius Nyerere and the participant research practices of Marja Liisa Swantz, Tanzania is one of the pioneers of participatory action research in the world. Within the mentioned milieu, participatory approaches have become widespread. The approaches are geared at enabling rural communities to address their challenges through participatory approaches. This book chapter focuses on a comparative analysis of locally improved rural development approaches that have been developed and improved in the Tanzanian context. Using primary and secondary data from some Tanzanian rural interventions by Uluguru Mountains Agricultural Development Project (process approach) and World Vision Tanzania (ADP approach), the chapter focuses on a comparative analysis of the mentioned strategies and RIPAT (Rural Initiatives for Participatory Agricultural Transformation) to shed some light on rural development efforts in the Tanzanian context. The process approach involves participatory endogenous processes of development that start with the recognition of the local capacities of the people. The ADP (Area Development Programmes) approach is a participatory approach that seeks to induce communities with capabilities to undertake appropriate actions to accomplish economic and social progress. More recently, World Vision Tanzania (WVT) reframed the acronym ADP by calling it Tanzania Empowerment ADP Model (TEAM). RIPAT is a participatory extension approach that transfers a ‘basket’ of agricultural technology options, including various crops and livestock, to groups of 25 to 30 smallholder farmers in a way that allows for joint, experiential, and participatory learning. In 2017 Research, Community and Organisational Development Associates (RECODA) entered a two year contract with WVT of co-owning the approach; the agreement ended in 2019. The engagement allowed World Vision Tanzania to use the RIPAT approach in ADPs. All in all, some literature suggests that participatory approaches fail to empower people in real life situation. In this regard and drawing from the participatory theory and practice, the chapter assesses the sustainability of the approaches.
Access and use of information communication technologies by agricultural extension agents in Tanzania
(Huria Journal, 2017-07) Martin, R.; Kahamba, J. S.
Many studies have focused on the use of ICT by farmers; however, little attention has been on the use ICT by agricultural extension agents who are the bridge between source of agricultural knowledge and technologies on one hand and the smallholders on the other. Based on a cross sectional study of agricultural extension agents enrolled at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), in this paper we present, as a point of departure, the extent of access and usage of ICT by agricultural extension agents in Tanzania. Also, factors that influence the use of ICT by Agricultural Extension Agents are assessed. Finally, a conclusion is made and recommendations offered based on the findings.
Factors influencing the adoption of improved groundnut cultivars amongst smallholder farmers in Singida Tanzania
(AJOL, 2023) Humphrey, S. C.; Martin, R.; Ntumva, M.
Groundnut is amongst the global important food and cash crops; irrespective of its importance, studies report its low adoption. Amongst the reported adoption factors were age, gender, education, group membership and seed availability. Nevertheless, there is insufficient documentation on the influence of these factors on the adoption of groundnut amongst beneficiaries of Singida Rural Farmer Research Networks (FRNs). Innovation systems, networks and Roger’s theories of diffusion of innovations guided this study to establish the determinants of the adoption of improved groundnut cultivars amongst these target groups. Specifically, the study (1) assessed the adoption of improved groundnuts in relation to farmers’ socio-economic characteristics; (2) determined the factors that influenced the adoption of improved groundnuts and (3) examined farmers’ adoption perception towards access to services, technological characteristics and the institutional environment. Cross-sectional design and mixed research methods were used. The socioeconomic characteristics of farmers were compared using Chi-square test cross-tabulations. The binary logistic regression model was used to determine factors influencing the adoption of improved groundnut cultivars. A Likert scale was used to assess the farmers’ perceptions towards the adoption of improved groundnut cultivars in relation to access to services, technological characteristics and the institutional environment. Findings show that socioeconomic characteristics such as age, sex, marital status, education level and income had no significant influence on the adoption of improved groundnuts. The adoption of improved groundnuts was significantly influenced by three factors: FRN group membership, seed accessibility and technological characteristics which include adaptive to agroecological zones, high yields, early maturity, drought tolerance, pests and disease resistance. The majority of farmers had a positive perception towards access to services, technological characteristics and the institutional environment for the adoption of improved groundnut cultivars. In this regard, sensitization for more farmers to join groups and enhancement of timely seed availability and accessibility of improved groundnut cultivars are recommended.
Farmers' perceptions of contract farming in Tanzania: a case study of Mtibwa out-grower sugar cane scheme in Morogoro Region
(2015-06) Martin, R.; Mwaseba, D. L.
Globally, the role of contract farming for improving farmers' livelihoods has been a topic of interest and controversy for at least the past four decades. While some research . findings recommend contract farming as a strategy to be adopted for improving farmers' livelihoods, others have expressed reservations regarding the stated benefits. They raise concerns that the "formal contract farming bandwagon- and interventions that strive to integrate rural smallholders into more formal and commercial market systems' do not always deliver the benefits portrayed during promotion of new interventions. Drawing on an empirical study, this paper assesses how contract farming at Mtibwa Sugarcane Out-grower Scheme is viewed by . farmers: specifically, perceptions regarding contract farming among cane growers with reference to its advantages and disadvantages are examined.
Power dynamics between farmers and market masters: a case of tomato value chain in Kilolo District and Dodoma Municipality, Tanzania
(International Journal of Information and Communication Technology Research, 2016) Nyamba, S. Y.; Martin, R.; Kalungwizi, V. J.; Busindeli, I. M.; Kilima, F. T. M.; Bengesi, C.P. M.; Chija, B. B.; Mvena, Z. S. K.; Mlozi, M. R. S.; Gjotterud, S. M.; Kiranga, E.
Like in many places in rural Tanzania, tomato production has become an important economic horticultural activity. The main reasons for the sudden upsurge of tomato production over the past few years include its better market prospect compared to other traditional crops although this prospect vary across seasons and locations. Of late however, tomato farmers have faced a number of challenges in the production and marketing of tomatoes. The main challenges include high cost of production and perishable nature of the crop that induce significant variation in farmers’ earnings. Another challenge facing tomato producers is the long chain of actors between production and consumption leading to information gaps between farmers and consumers in terms of optimal price for the product. This paper examines the status of tomato marketing with respect to information sharing and power relations between farmers and market masters in the tomato value chain. The paper concludes by giving possible avenues for resolving the communication problems through project interventions.