Perceived Effectiveness of AgriTecH in Disseminating Oil Palm Production Technologies in Western Tanzania

Abstract

Dissemination of agricultural technology is vital to increasing sustainability and productivity; hence it is important to assess how well it reaches and benefits farmers. This study aimed at evaluating farmers’ perceived effectiveness of AgriTecH in the dissemination of improved oil palm production technologies in Tabora and Katavi regions in the Western zone of Tanzania. The study employed a cross-sectional mixed-methods research design involving quantitative and qualitative methodologies. A semi structured questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data from a sample of 120 respondents while focus group discussions and key informant interviews were employed to obtain qualitative data. Quantitative data were analysed using a Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) programme while content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. The study found that overall, farmers’ perception about AgriTecH’s effectiveness was positive with a mean score of 4.11 ± 0.03 suggesting that they perceived AgriTecH as effective in the dissemination of improved oil palm production technologies. In particular, AgriTecH was perceived to be the most effective in the reliability indicator with a mean score of 4.13 ± 0.03 and the least effective in the tangibility indicator with a mean score of 3.96 ± 02. The study concludes that while AgriTecH supports farmers with services that are accessible, responsive, and reliable; however, improvements in the physical infrastructure and upholding high standards in service delivery are necessary for effective extension delivery.