Sustainability of the innovation platforms and associations among smallholder dairy farmers in Lushoto and Korogwe districts, Tanzania

Abstract

The study examines the sustainability of the innovation platforms (IPs) and associations among smallholder dairy farmers in Lushoto and Korogwe districts in Tanzania. Specifically, the study has characterized dairy IPs and associations; identified key constraints facing IPs and assessed the sustainability of the dairy IPs. The study has used cross section design. A sample size of 210 was selected through purposive and random sampling. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected by using structured questionnaire, focus group discussions and key informants interviews. While descriptive statistical was used to analyze quantitative data using statistical package for social science version 21, content analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data. The findings revealed that most of the respondents are unaware of IPs. The findings also identified major strengths of availability and use of constitution and by-laws, defined organizational structures and access to farmers training. The major weaknesses found were missing key actors such as input suppliers and financiers, insufficient fund, poor meeting attendance and high dropout. The identified opportunities were availability of committed farmers and high milk demand in the market, availability of input suppliers, extension services, financial and micro finance institutions. However, major threats to IPs were unstable milk price, high cost of borrowing and environment degradation which leads to drought. In addition, the study characterized and grouped stakeholders into eleven group’s base of their interests, role, interaction, influence and contribution to IPs. For sustainability purposes, this study recommends the effective participation of the actors in the IP and the interest of each stakeholder should be addressed in the IP. Awareness should focus on the platform and association’s membership contributions and benefits of participation in the IP and association. Missing actors should be included in the IPs and work with other stakeholders. Platform members should also be trained in relevant skills to improve their operations. Finally, IP members should initiate business activities that will enable platform to obtain funds to implement its activities.