Factors Influencing Farmers’ Paticipation in Agriculture Based Projects: A Case of RIPAT Project In Morogoro, Tanzania

Abstract

Aims: Agricultural based projects are key interventions in elevating agricultural sector in less developed countries. These projects aim at strengthening ability of farmers to improve their production potentials and ultimately improve living standard. Despite the importance of these projects, yet there is dearth of information on factors influencing farmers to participate in agricultural based projects in Tanzanian context. Therefore, this paper aimed at bridging information gap on factors influencing farmer participations in donor funded agriculture projects. Methodology: The study used a cross sectional research design. A total of 96 farmers who were beneficiaries of RIPAT project were involved in the study. Primary data were used and collected by survey questionnaire. Collected data were analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 25). Results: Access to information on agricultural based project like RIPAT has large influence on farmer participations into agricultural based projects. Also, majority of farmers have a perception that donor funded project like RIPAT have positive benefits in their agricultural activities and livelihood at large. Additionally, findings showed that factors which positively influence farmers participation in donor funded agricultural project were; household level of income, limited access to farm inputs, assurance on access to market, perception on project’s fairness and equity, access to technical supports, extension services and innovations. On other hand, findings showed that cultural traditions and norms had no influence on participation in donor funded agricultural based projects. Conclusion: To ensure sustainability of project outcomes, there is a need of looking factors specifically may influence participation of farmers in to a project.