cases from tanzania - Sustainet

Sustainable agriculture: A pathway out of poverty for East Africa’s rural poor
Networking of farmer organizations should be encouraged.
More rural marketing centres should be established where farmers can sell their produce
direct to businesspeople.
Research and technology in Kenya and Tanzania
Cases: all in Kenya and Tanzania
The problem There is a considerable potential for improved farming practices to increase
smallholders’ productivity and incomes. But the technologies promoted by the government
extension services are not based on sustainable principles, so contribute to resource degradation.
Farmers are not involved in the development of most new technologies. They do not
feel they own the technologies, so adoption rates are low. Farmer field schools have shown
that with the right help, farmers are capable of contributing to and developing improved
practices that they are ready to use.
Current policies “The full potential of the research capacity is not being utilized due
to limited prioritization of activities; lack of a comprehensive approach for disseminating
research finding; and weak research-extension-farmer linkages. The agricultural research
systems will be reconstructed to address more responsive and efficient technology development
and transfer” (KSRA, short version, p. 6).
“Research is the foundation of a strong agricultural base. Research institutions such as KARI,
CRF, and TFR will be supported to ensure continuous research and development of relevant
agricultural technologies. The participation of the private sector in the development and
management of research and extension will be encouraged and supported” (KSP p. 28).
“With regard to the research agenda, higher priority will be given to applied research and
problems of small-scale holders, most of whom are women” (KSRA, p. 32).
“The government will continue to promote and encourage mechanization, and modernization
in the country through extension services and provision of regulatory services for farm
implements including strengthening machinery-testing services” (TALP, ch. 3.3.1 E, p. 19).
“Land has to be managed in such a way that agricultural production is sustainable, even in
the long term and that negative environmental externalities are avoided or at least kept to
a minimum… To lessen pressure on land, use of fertilizer, animal manure and mulching
techniques will be encouraged through extension and training services” (TALP, ch. 3.3.1 E,
p. 20).
“Promoting utilization of labour saving technologies (such as appropriate forms of mechanization,
minimum tillage techniques, etc. is central to improvement of labour productivity”
(TASDS, ch. 6.8).
Sustainable agriculture solutions Farmers have a lot of traditional and valuable knowledge
about the ecosystem and how it functions in their own area. Old people, especially,
have a great deal of such knowledge – which may die with them if they do not pass it on to
the younger generation. The application of sustainable agricultural practices often relies on
this traditional knowledge. There is great potential to incorporate such knowledge and the
farmers’ practical experience in research. Many examples show that farmers are capable of
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