Private Sector-Led Extension Approaches for Sustainable Intensification: A Case Study in Tanzania
This study evaluates alternative private sector-led extension approaches to promote sustainable intensification in agriculture, focusing on bi-directional learning among researchers, extension agents, agribusiness firms, and farmers. The operationalization of the hypothesis includes implementing village-based agricultural advisors to distribute improved seeds and provide advisory services. The research design involves testing the effectiveness of different demonstration methods on promoting farmer demand for improved bean varieties.
Download Presentation
Please find below an Image/Link to download the presentation.
The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author. Download presentation by click this link. If you encounter any issues during the download, it is possible that the publisher has removed the file from their server.
E N D
Presentation Transcript
Mothers, babies, or both? A test of alternative private sector-led extension approaches for sustainable intensification Nicole Mason on behalf of the SIIL/Tanzania Project Objective 2 Team August 8, 2016 East Africa Learning Lab Meeting/ MSU, East Lansing, Michigan Photo Credit Goes Here
Context & hypothesis SIIL TZ Obj. 2 - Bi-directional learning To evaluate forms of bi-directional learning (BDL) about SI technologies among researchers, extension, agribusiness firms, and farmers in the challenging environment of poorly-resourced public agricultural extension programs. BDL: iterative process by which info providers and farmers fine-tune recommendations on fertilizers, seeds, and mgmt Broad hypothesis: extension approaches that incorporate BDL are more effective at promoting SI than more uni- directional approach 1
Operationalizing the hypothesis Implementing partner: Farm Input Promotions-Africa (FIPS-Africa) Mission: cost-effective and rapid mass dissemination of appropriate farm inputs, and development of associated advisory services Village-Based Agricultural Advisors (VBAAs) Seed donated by private sector and ag research institutes VBAAs then: 1. Distribute small packs to farmers (baby demos) 2. Set up a demo plot (mother demo) ***Always do both (mainly maize) 2
Research design Focus on improved varieties of beans Randomly assign 230 VBAAs to one of 3 treatments: (a) Mother demo only (b) Baby demos only * (c) Mother + baby demos ** Train all VBAAs in participatory extension methods Measure relative effectiveness of treatments on VBAA performance and (indirectly) farmer demand for seed for improved varieties of beans, Apron Star (more later) H1: (b) > (a) learning-by-doing H2: (c) > (b), (a) bi-directional learning Many programs mother demo only; little empirical evidence; shape future FIPS-Africa approach 3
Operationalizing the hypothesis Beans baby demo Maize mother demo Site visit with FIPS-Africa VBAA, Mbozi District, June 2016 4 4
Research design (cont d) BABY DEMO MOTHER DEMO -usual variety vs. one improved variety -with vs. w/o Apron Star -all varieties -with and without Apron Star Usual Improved Per Syngenta, Apron Star is a seed treatment fungicide-insecticide mixture for controlling downy mildew, damping-off diseases as well as for protection of seeds and seedlings against early season insect pests and soil borne diseases https://www.syngenta.co.ke/product/crop-protection/seed-care/apron- star-45-ws Usual w/ AS Improved w/ AS 5
Study area 7 maize/bean districts in Southern Highlands Mbeya Region Mbeya (30) Mbozi (30) Njombe Region Makambako (30) Njombe (30) Iringa Region Iringa (30) Mufindi (50) Ruvuma Region Songea (30) 6
VBAA Performance Indicator Examples # of farmers Given small packs Provided extension advice Involved in mother demo Attending VBAA field days (and # of field days hosted by VBAA) VBAA sales and farmer orders VBAA sell any inputs? Specific inputs Apron Star Beans, maize seeds (by variety) Inorganic fertilizers (by type) # of chickens vaccinated (NC) VBAA use of other partici- patory extension methods 7
Thank you! Questions/comments? This research is supported by Michigan State University and the Sustainable Intensification Innovation Lab through funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development. 8
