Competences of agricultural extension agents in using value chain approach in advising farmers in Tanzania

Abstract

Recently, value chain approach in agriculture has been promoted in order to cope with market challenges which smallholder farmers face. This has necessitated changes in roles of extension agents who are supposed to advice farmers beyond the production node. However, most of the extension agents have assumed the new roles without being equipped necessary knowledge and skills to enable them discharge their roles effectively. In this context, extension agents’ competences in advising farmers along the entire value chain and its implication are not fully investigated and understood. The, purpose of this study was to investigate the competences of extension agents in advising farmers along agricultural value chain in Tanzania. Specifically, the study sought to answer three questions; 1) to what extent do extension agents support farmers along the value chain? 2) which aspects of the value chain are well supported and which ones are not well supported? 3) what are the perceived obstacles that limit extension agents advise farmers beyond the production node?. To answer these questions a convenient sample of 196 field extension agents was used. Data was collected using an online questionnaire supplemented by Key Informant Interviews conducted through mobile phones. Quantitative data was analysed by SPSS and qualitative data was analysed thematically. Findings show that extension agents have sufficient knowledge and positive attitude that would enable them to perform their work effectively. However, the knowledge and positive attitude have not been translated into practice. Limited access to retooling training was the major obstacle limiting extension agents perform their roles effectively. For farmers to become competitive in the global market, the study recommends retooling training on marketing and market linkage to be offered to field extension agents.