Characteristics of Improved Oil Palm Production Technologies Disseminated by Fatuma Mwasa AgriTecH in Western Tanzania: A Farmers’ Perspective

Abstract

Aims: This study aims at describing the characteristics of improved oil palm production technologies that have been disseminated by Fatuma Mwasa Agricultural Technology Transfer Hub (AgriTecH) in Tabora and Katavi regions in the Western parts of Tanzania. Study Design: The study employed a cross-sectional mixed-methods research design involving both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the selected regions of Western Tanzania namely Tabora and Katavi from June, 2024 to August, 2024. Methodology: 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 Results: The study revealed that the majority of the farmers perceived that the disseminated technologies are environmentally friendly (94.2%), boost oil palm productivity (92.5%), cost- effective (91.6%), can be easily applied (90.0%), resource-efficient (89.2%) and are not constrained by the infrastructures (76.7%). Conclusion: Based on the findings of the study, it can be concluded that TARI should increase investment in both research and technology transfer to ensure that improved agricultural technologies for oil palm and other crops are available and accessible to farmers. This will enable them to incorporate these technologies into their farming activities, thereby enhancing agricultural productivity, increasing income, and ensuring food security.