The Impact of Extension Services on The Adoption of New Irrigation Technologies in Tanzania: A Case Study of Mufindi District, Iringa Region
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54536/ajaset.v10i2.7960Keywords:
Extension Services, Irrigation Technologies, Mufindi District, Smallholder Farmers, Tanzania, Technology Acceptance Model, Technology AdoptionAbstract
Agricultural extension services are crucial in the development of new farming technology and cutting-edge systems for farmers. Modern irrigation technologies play a key role in increasing agricultural productivity, developing resilience to climate extremes and anticipating food security, especially in semi-arid areas. This study intended to assess the impact of extension services on the adoption of new irrigation technologies among smallholder farmers in Mufindi District, Tanzania, while examining the mediating and moderating factors that explain variations in adoption. The study employed Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) focusing on Perceived Usefulness (PU) and Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU) as parameters for adoption and utilization. The study utilized quantitative and qualitative methods involving 200 farmers in questionnaire surveys while 4 extension officers and one District Agricultural, Livestock and Fisheries Officer (DALFO) participated in interviews in Mufindi District, Iringa. Convergent Parallel Design was used. Quantitative data analysis took place using SPSS and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). Findings indicated that most farmers in Mufindi were highly aware of furrow irrigation technology (67%), implying that furrow irrigation was the main technology transferred to them by professional extension officers. Sprinkle irrigation (17%), drip irrigation (13%), subsurface irrigation systems (3%), solar power irrigation (0%), and center pivot irrigation (0%) were not widely known among farmers. Extension services reached 93% of farmers. Adoption rate was 44%, with 21% planning to adopt and 35% not adopting. Economic constraints (lack of capital 30%, high cost of technology 29.5%) were the dominant barriers, followed by limited knowledge/skills (22.9%) and inadequate water supply (17.6%). Perceived usefulness of extension services was reported by 68.5% of farmers. The study concludes that farmers adopted irrigation technology which they perceived as useful and easy to use, but adoption was hampered by low earnings. Agricultural policy and other sectoral policies must support good allocation of resources, sufficient staffing, and performance monitoring of extension activities to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
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