The Role of University in the Agricultural Advisory Framework in Tanzania

Abstract

This Paper presents findings on the advisory role of universities in the agricultural extension system in Tanzania based on the literatures and household survey findings conducted in the Eastern Tanzania within 8 villages. The paper seeks to give highlights on the possible cause of disconnect based on the perceptions of farmers, extension workers and researchers in the country. The objective of the paper was to dissect the institutional framework of the agricultural advisory system in Tanzania and explain the interface of the key actors in the system by analyzing the extension services provision in Tanzania; Analyzing the role played by Sokoine university to the agricultural community; and assessing the impact of university extension services on community livelihood, and finally recommend on how to improve extension service delivery using the agricultural universities. The research used cross sectional design and participant observation technique. Data collected through household survey from a randomly selected sample of farmers in randomly selected villages which SUA and China Agriculture Universities were implementing dissemination of production technologies. Findings revealed that the extension system in Tanzania is to larger extent dominated by the public extension service providers than private providers, the role of university in extension services is vivid with significant impact to the agricultural communities’ livelihood. SUA had played some important roles which impacted on the agricultural crop production, income and communities livelihood. Hence recommend for support of the universities as well as increasing the pubic private partnerships in extension service provision in order to make the extension system be effective and efficient for increased production, productivity, food security and improved community livelihood.

Keywords: Extension System; Advisory Role of University, Agricultural Advisory System.