Challenges Of Using English Language In The Tanzanian Agricultural Sector Case Study: Maswa And Bariadi Districts

ABSTRACT 

The study investigated the challenges of using English language in the Tanzanian agricultural sector and examined the effectiveness of English – Swahili translation of agricultural information. It was conducted in Maswa and Bariadi districts. It covered farmers, pastoralists, agricultural officers (AOs), veterinary officers (VOs) and agricultural input suppliers/sellers (AIS). Semi structured interviews, questionnaires, in depth interviews and documentary reviews were used as methods of data collection. Through the use of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and descriptive analysis, the study revealed that most farmers and pastoralists were not conversant with English language. They get help of interpreting the information expressed in the language from the AOs, VOs, and AIS. Inspite of being hampered by both physical and fiscal constraints to reach them, the AOs, and VOs can do. Many of the AIS can not interprete the English expressed agro information because the activity of selling agricultural remedies is done by whoever wanted to earn money from the business. The use of English language in the sector is also challenged by the sociolinguistic landscapes of Tanzania in which the Ethnic Community Languages (ECLs) are more dominant in rural areas where farmers and pastoralists transact their agricultural activities than even Swahili. Lack of linguistic expertise like improper choice of words, style and mode of presenting the information to the target audience is another challenge. The foreign status of English in the country makes it an inappropriate language of use in the sector. The English – Swahili translation of agricultural information was revealed to be deficient in conveying the intended information to the target group (TG). Basing on the findings, the study concluded that English is less appropriate language of use in the sector.