The role of farmer research networks’ (frn) principles in influencing farmers’ adoption of improved groundnut cultivars in Singida rural district of semi-Arid central Tanzania
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Date
2023
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Academic Journals
Abstract
Farmer Research Networks (FRN) is a participatory approach aimed at supporting the agroecological
intensification of smallholder farming. FRN was envisaged in Latin America and Africa, however, little
has been documented on how the application of FRN principles influences adoption of agricultural
technologies. Guided by networking, innovation systems and Roger’s theories of diffusion of
innovations, this research assessed how the application of three principles, that is, 1) farmer
participation, 2) usefulness of on-farm research, and 3) collaboration amongst players in networks
influenced the adoption of improved groundnuts. Cross sectional mixed research methods were used.
Findings show that farmers participated in forming FRN groups, the production of Quality Declared
Seeds and the provision of farmer-to-farmer extension services. On-farm research was instrumental for
observational and experimental research whereby farmers were able to see, learn, and adopt the
innovation. Players collaborate through joint research, learning, and sharing of knowledge and
resources; farmers’ field days; and project meetings. It is concluded that farmers participated in
conducting on-farm research and collaborated with different players in the network, indicating that FRN
principles were applied to influence the adoption of improved groundnuts. The study recommends
farmer participation in preliminary meetings and strengthening the linkage between farmers and more
actors.
Description
Journal of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development Vol.15(2), pp. 102-116
Keywords
FRN principles, Participation, On-farm research, Collaboration, Improved groundnut cultivars, Singida