Small-Scale Coffee Farmers’ Livelihood Capabilities and Access to Extension Services in Hai and Arumeru Districts, Tanzania

Abstract

The study intended to examine the implications of livelihood capabilities on access to extension services among small-scale coffee farmers in Hai and Arumeru districts, Tanzania. The study used a cross-sectional research design in collecting data. Data collection methods included household survey, interviews, focus group discussion and documentary review. The findings revealed that, small-scale coffee farmers in the study area had not been provided with free extension services. Further, the findings show that livelihood capabilities among small-scale coffee farmers are associated with availability and frequencies of getting extension services. Also, it was found that small-scale coffee farmers with high livelihood capabilities were more capable in making their own arrangements on extension services acquisition, and outputs from their farms were higher than for those with no or low livelihood capabilities. The findings also revealed that small-scale coffee farmers with high livelihood capabilities and higher education were more knowledgeable on different agricultural extension related matters. It is recommended to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in collaboration with the local government authorities to ensure extension services are made available by increasing the number of extension officers.