Towards identification of pathways to more transformative adaptation strategies for adoption of new innovative agricultural techniques: The case of Makanya catchment, Tanzania

Research and technological support on innovative agricultural techniques to improve crop yields and livelihood of farmers have been carried out by both government and non-governmental organizations. However, adoption rates of most of these techniques by smallholder farmers have been rather disappointing. To enhance implementation of scientific research by end-users, there has been strong debate on improving the science-policy interface (SPI). This one directional approach led to a kind of top-down knowledge delivery process with limited interaction between farmers and researchers. This study investigated and compared past approaches to knowledge delivery with implementation of SPI and scientists-policymakers-farmers interface (SPFI) using a case study of the Makanya catchment in North Eastern Tanzania. Data were collected through focus group discussions with both smallholder farmers and local policymakers (village leaders) and review of agricultural policies. Findings revealed that past approaches to knowledge delivery for most innovative agricultural techniques was mainly through workshops/seminars, demonstration farms or farmer field schools. Notwithstanding, SPFI which involved participation of farmers alongside other stakeholders right from problem identification and design of solutions resulted in higher adoption as compared to SPI approaches. Suggestions for improvement in knowledge delivery by both scientists/researchers and government were put forward. The study concludes that transformation in agriculture sector does not only depend on continuous research on innovative agricultural techniques. Of crucial importance are constant interactions among the scientists, farmers and policymakers and strengthening agriculture extension services to enhance information sharing, exchange and transfer of new technologies from the scientists to the farmers. All these require continuous backup from agricultural policies and institutional frameworks.