Promotion of agricultural innovation systems approach: policy implications for maize extension and advisory services in Tanzania

Abstract

This paper is based on a study (Wambura et al., 2016) which assessed extension and advisory service delivery for maize production in Morogoro and Dodoma Regions of Tanzania using Agricultural Innovation Systems (AIS) Approach. Maize productivity in Tanzania is low in spite of its importance to the country’s food security and economic well-being of farmers. New approaches to extension and advisory service delivery are needed that stimulate increased agricultural production and foster the emergency of agricultural innovation systems. The purpose of this paper is therefore to assess the state of maize innovation system in Tanzania and provide policy implications for the future extension and advisory services (EAS). The study used a mixed method research design to collect data using structured questionnaires, one-on-one interviews with key informants, focus group discussions (FGDs) and stakeholders’ workshops. Content analyses of cases provided a context to understand policy implications for maize extension and advisory services in the study areas. It was found that the key aspects contributing to low maize productivity included weak institutional structures, often with little or no contact between other stakeholders. In most cases, lack of farmer organizations hampered farmers taking the initiative. Such problems were compounded by poorly developed markets, poor infrastructure and a lack of knowledge (especially of the maize production value chain), or by inadequate extension services often associated with inappropriate research. Consequently, use of unsuitable varieties and poor management practices with limited access to inputs or output markets resulted in low, often declining yields and low incomes for farmers. The paper concludes that policy makers should identify weak or missing components and linkages within the agricultural innovation systems and take measures accordingly to promote maize innovations; while extension and advisory services should be capacitated to address these gaps and develop technology packages to be disseminated to the farmers.

Keywords: Agricultural innovation system (AIS), Maize value chain actors, Extension and advisory services (AES), Tanzania