THE EXPERIENCE OF SMALL FARMER GROUP (SFG) ORGANISATIONS IN PROMOTING AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION IN TANZANIA

This paper is based on experience of a study that was undertaken to strengthen farmers’ access to information, inputs and markets in Tanzania through small farmer group (SFG) organisations. The population of this study consisted of all forms of SFG organisations in Morogoro region of Tanzania. Data were collected through participatory rural appraisal (PRA) tools, focus group discussions (FGDs), structured interviews, informal discussions, and observations; and were analysed using "content analysis" technique and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Computer Programme. Poor leadership and lack of constitution were found to be some of the key factors that contributed to the problems of corruption, mismanagement, conflict and lack of clear goals in small farmer groups (SFGs). The study recommended modification of group leadership; development of location specific constitution; planning and implementation of SFG micro-projects and formation of self-managed SFGs and small farmer group associations (SFGAs) as new forms of organisations. Based on action research, implications on how to promote agricultural extension, and thus reduce rural poverty, through SFG organisations are provided.