The Role Of Farmer Field Schools In Dissemination Of Technologies To Paddy Farmers In Mvomero District Tanzania

ABSTRACT

Farmer Field School (FFS) approach is gaining prominence as an extension approach in most developing countries and its degree of effectiveness in influencing farmer’s uptake of knowledge for future use is promising. This study was conducted to assess the role of FFS as an approach in disseminating technologies to paddy farmers in Mvomero District. Specifically, the study sought to determine perception of farmers on FFS approach in knowledge development and dissemination of technologies, socio-economic factors influencing farmers’ participation in FFS, comparison of production between FFS and non-FFS farmers and factors facilitating the dissemination of agricultural technologies under FFS. A cross-sectional design was employed to collect data from a randomly selected sample of 60 FFS and 60 non-FFS farmers. A structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data and secondary data was collected from reports and documents. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was employed in analyzing primary data. Findings show that FFS farmers had high level of knowledge than non FFS farmers. This translated itself into higher average annual paddy yields among FFS farmers. It indicate that FFS as an approach is effective in dissemination of improved paddy technologies in Mvomero District. However, challenges like little or no technical and financial support for farmers after they graduate from season-long training sessions and poor linkage to other agricultural service providers affected sustainability of FFS graduates. It is recommended that policy and strategic issues related to recruitment of more extension personnel, special funding for follow ups, more engagement with private actors in paddy production would strengthen FFS farmers to continue applying what they learn through FFS.