Abstract:
The study on the role of farmers’ networks in information dissemination in Tanzania was
carried out in Mgeta Division in Mvomero District. Interest in this study was prompted
by the recognition that farmers’ networking was used as the best tool for communication
compared to conventional assumptions of extension communication which was blamed
to be the cause of low adoption and diffusion of extension messages. But the extent to
which information concerning agricultural innovations is effectively passed among
farmers within local networks is unknown. Hence it was necessary to test this assumption
under Morogoro conditions. The study examined the sources of agricultural information
among network members, awareness of agricultural messages received in local networks,
individual perceptions on the role of networks in information dissemination,
effectiveness of networks in facilitating communication of information and factors
affecting information dissemination within networks. Population of the study consisted
of 80 farmers from farmers’ groups and seven MVIWATA promoters. Structured
questionnaire was used to collect relevant information from the respondents. A checklist
was also utilized to collect information from key informants. The data were then
analysed statistically to obtain frequency distribution and percentages. Generally, this
study revealed that contact farmers were frequently visiting each other on an average of
three days per week in order to exchange information and share experiences concerning
agricultural knowledge on crops they are cultivating. These interactions were done within
individuals, groups and networks. In order to increase effectiveness in disseminating
information concerning innovations as it is passed from one farmer to another through
the local network, it is recommended that MVIWATA in collaboration with UMADEP
and other stakeholders like Mvomero District Council should make efforts in training
group members and other farmers on how to effectively pass information concerning3
innovations from one farmer to another.
