The role of credit in the sustainability of agricultural extension services: the case of Uluguru mountains agricultural development project
| dc.contributor.author | Muffui, Esther Natai | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-03-05T12:06:20Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-03-05T12:06:20Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2007 | |
| dc.description.abstract | The lack of sustainability of adopted agricultural extension innovations by smallholder farmers has been caused partly by lack of capital. Rural banks initiated by the Uluguru Mountains Agricultural Development Project (UMADEP) have been important source of credit in rural areas to improve smallholder farmer's productivity. The study investigates the role of credit in the sustainability of agricultural extension services in the Uluguru Mountains. Four Rural Banks in two Districts, namely, Morogoro and Mvomero districts in Morogoro Region were selected. The study consisted of smallholder farmers who under UMADEP project, included those who received, not received credit from Rural Banks. Ward Extension Officers, Village Executive Officers, UMADEP staff, and Rural Bank staff were the key informants. A questionnaire and interview schedule were used in data collection. The study revealed that 89% of the respondents were aware of the innovations disseminated by the project. The innovations adopted included new agronomic practices, use of terraces for conservation of water and soil fertility. The respondents also adopted new goat and pig breeds and crossed with their respective local breeds to improve their performance. Housing, vaccination and treatment of the domestic animals were promoted. Age, marital status, family size, land ownership, and land size were the most important socio-economic factors associated with rural bank credit access in both Districts. The study found that the credit resulted in a significant at 1%, (p = 0.001) increase in number and value of dairy goats, pigs and fruits, hence the annual income of the household. Credit enables the farmers to increase the use of new innovations and hired labour for their farm activities According to the results, 88% of the respondents will continue with the adopted technologies, and few (6%) said they still needed UMADEP assistance. | |
| dc.description.sponsorship | The President’s Office, Public Service Management Gender Unit. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://www.suaire.sua.ac.tz/handle/20.500.14820/7359 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Sokoine University of Agriculture | |
| dc.subject | Rural banks | |
| dc.subject | Agricultural credit services | |
| dc.subject | Smallholder farmers-rural | |
| dc.title | The role of credit in the sustainability of agricultural extension services: the case of Uluguru mountains agricultural development project | |
| dc.type | Thesis |