Value Chain Approach Limitations to Agricultural Extension Training Among Extension Staff in Maize

Abstract

There is a growing realisation that smallholder farmers can increase their incomes substantially if they process and add value to their produce. Farmers are increasingly demanding for advisory services beyond production. This paper seeks to explore factors limiting the practice of value chain approach to agricultural extension among extension staff in Tanzania. Specifically, the study aimed at assessing extension staff’s knowledge of the concept of value chain, determining application of extension staff’s knowledge of the value chain approach in extension ad identifying factors limiting practice of value chain approach to extension among extension staff. The study was conducted in Kongwa district due to its relatively high potential for maize production and hence existence of various series of networks from producers to consumers. A cross-section research design was employed. Data were collected using interviews, in-depth discussion and focus group discussions. Data were analysed using SPSS computer programme and content analysis technique. The findings revealed that extension officers had different levels of understanding Oh the general concept of value chain with the majority at the low level. The majority of extension officers knew that the value chain approach can be used in extension, but few used it and provided little advice on some activities along the value chain, mainly on storage, processing and marketing. Factors limiting the practice of value chain approach in extension include lack of training along the value chain, limited access to information, inadequate supervision and lack of knowledge among extension staff. The study recommends among others, regular short courses, seminars, workshops, conferences and study tours for inservice extension staff to enhance their understanding of the concept of value chain and its application in extension work.