Contribution of national service on agricultural production: a case of maize production by Mgambo JKT in Handeni District
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Date
2013
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
The role of National Service in promoting agricultural development and its influence on
agricultural production in rural communities has received little attention on the discussion
of civil-military relations despite the existing nexus of military and agricultural
development. This study examined contribution of National Service in agricultural
production and used maize production by Mgambo JKT in Handeni District as the case
study. Purposively, maize farmers near and far from Mgambo JKT were chosen in order
to assess spill over effects of Mgambo JKT on surrounding villages. Assessment on
agricultural production by Mgambo JKT revealed that the camp has been increasing her
capacity in maize seeds multiplication for hybrid varieties such as TMV-land TAN-250.
Contribution of Mgambo JKT in the total maize production in Handeni District has
increased from 0.2% in 2008 to 0.7% in 2011. On the other hand, spillover effects of
Mgambo JKT were considered as an impact contribution of National Service camps in
agricultural production of rural areas. One of the more significant findings from this study
was that farmers near Mgambo JKT viewed the presence of Mgambo JKT maize farms in
their area as a demonstration. In return some farmers have imitated conventional practices
of Mgambo JKT such as proper spacing, row planting and use of improved seeds. Mean
maize productivity of farmers nearby the camp was higher than of those far from the
camp. Generally, National Service as a stakeholder in rural agricultural production has an
impact on surrounding communities that is limited to spill over effects produced by the
National Service camps. In order to fill the gap and to support government efforts in
improving agricultural production in rural areas, National Service camps should establish
outreach programs aiming at improvement of agricultural production of surrounding
communities and rural agricultural development as a whole.
Description
Master Of Arts In Rural Development
Keywords
Agricultural production, Handeni District, Agricultural development promotion services, Maize production, Mgambo JKT