Farmers' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on Safflower Production: A Case of Mukulu Ward, in Iramba District, Tanzania

Abstract

Aims: Guided by the Knowledge-Attitude-Practice (KAP) framework, this study assessed farmers’ knowledge of safflower production, examined their attitudes toward cultivation, and identified key challenges in Mukulu Ward, Iramba District, Tanzania. Place and Duration of Study: Iramba District, conducted between June 2024 and October 2024. Study design and methodology: A mixed-methods design was used, involving a census of 105 safflower farmers. Quantitative data from structured questionnaires were analysed using descriptive statistics in SPSS and MS Excel, complemented by thematic analysis of qualitative data from three Focus Group Discussions and three Key Informant Interviews. Results: Results showed that all farmers (100%) exhibited low knowledge of safflower practices, 57% held negative attitudes, and 85% showed low adoption of recommended practices, primarily due to limited extension services and market access, despite safflower’s economic and climatic potential. Conclusion: The study concludes that low knowledge and negative attitudes significantly constrain safflower adoption in Mukulu Ward. Addressing gaps in extension support, input supply, and market access is essential for promoting safflower as a viable climate-resilient crop. The findings reaffirm the relevance of the KAP framework in explaining smallholder technology adoption.