Influence of actors’ interactions under agricultural innovation system lens on the adoption of rice innovations in Mvomero district and Ifakara Town council

Abstract

This study addresses the gap in empirical evidence on how and to what extent interactions among numerous actors within the Agricultural Innovation System (AIS) can influence smallholder farmers’ adoption of rice innovations. The study employed a mixed-methods embedded design to collect quantitative data using interviews with 516 respondents, of whom 384 were households and 132 were from other AIS actor groups, and qualitative data via focus group discussions with farmers. The study revealed that smallholder farmers’ interaction with research organizations and extension services varied from moderate to strong. However, their interactions with policymakers, financial institutions, and traders were comparatively weak, restricting their access to crucial resources such as credit. Likewise, strong interactions of smallholder framers with farmer organizations, research organizations, and seed agencies positively influenced their adoption of rice innovations, but weak interaction with financial institutions and traders hindered innovation uptake. This study recommends that the Tanzanian government strengthens the interactions between farmers, financial institutions, and traders by simplifying access to financial services and by investing in rural infrastructure – including roads, telecommunications and electricity – to improve market connectivity and accessibility. The study provides empirical evidence on the importance of multi-actor interactions within the AIS and their influence on the uptake of rice innovations.