An assessment of public-private-partnerships in provision of agricultural extension services in Mtwara district, Tanzania
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Date
2013
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
Over the years the provision of extension services in Tanzania was dominated by the
public sector. However, effectiveness of the public sector extension has declined greatly
during the past decade. In recent years several private extension providers have emerged
to fill the gap created by reduced presence of public sector extension. Thus, this study was
conducted to assess Public-Privatc-Partnerships (PPPs) in provision of agricultural
extension services in Mtwara District, Tanzania. Specific objectives were to: identify
types of parties involved in PPPs in the study area; determine different roles the identified
parties play; and examine forms of PPPs partnerships. Data were collected from 154
respondents, including 120 household heads, four extension agents, 30 key informants
and various documentary sources using questionnaires, researcher’s diary and checklist.
Quantitative data were analysed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS)
computer programme and qualitative data were analysed using “content analysis”
technique. The study identified types of PPPs involved in the provision of agricultural
extension services, different roles played by identified PPPs parties and forms of PPPs
partnerships. It was concluded that the role of government in PPPs is to build an
environment in which plurality of extension providers can thrive. Special attention should
be given to those sendee providers who have vested interest in long-term success of
services they are providing. It was therefore recommended that a loose network of formal
association of private service providers is deemed necessary for any interaction with the
government. The study also suggested undertaking studies on forms of PPPs in provision
of extension services in other parts of the country in order to enable generalisation of
observations.
Description
Dissertation
Keywords
Extension services, Agriculture