Abstract:
Access to agricultural knowledge has been a serious challenge among farmers in Tanzania. To overcome this, various strategies have
been implemented, but few have managed to limit the effect of the problem. The current study was set to design a framework for
strengthening agricultural knowledge systems (AKS) with the view to improve access to agricultural knowledge among agricultural
stakeholders in Tanzania. Furthermore, the study identified actors in agricultural knowledge systems and determined factors
influencing the efficiency of AKS. Quantitative data was collected through questionnaires directed to 314 farmers and 57 AKS actors
among agricultural researchers, agricultural extension staff, policy makers, village executives and input suppliers. Findings indicate that
individual experience and involvement of actors influence agricultural knowledge creation. Accessibility of agricultural knowledge
was influenced by: awareness of knowledge and its sources, ownership of communication tools, affordability of mobile phone tariffs,
level of development of knowledge infrastructure, time that radio/TV agricultural programmes were aired, membership in farmers’
groups/associations and provision of agricultural extension services. To strengthen usage of AKS, this study proposes a framework
for improving the performance of agricultural knowledge processes and knowledge accessibility. It is hoped that the framework will
assist in guiding agricultural actors in sharing knowledge.
