The role of institutional support and extension services in enhancing the adoption of dairy breeding technologies in Tanzania
Paper Details
The role of institutional support and extension services in enhancing the adoption of dairy breeding technologies in Tanzania
Abstract
This study examines the role of institutional support, extension services, and artificial insemination (AI) service providers in the adoption of improved dairy breeding technology in the Eastern Zone of Tanzania, focusing on Kinondoni and Bagamoyo districts. The findings reveal significant disparities in institutional support, with only 16.7% of respondents in Kinondoni reporting receipt of support compared to 34% in Bagamoyo. Extension services on AI were deemed adequate by 22% of respondents in Kinondoni and 31.3% in Bagamoyo, highlighting variability in service quality. The distribution of AI service providers showed a reliance on government institutions such as the National Artificial Insemination Center (NAIC), which accounted for 29.7% of respondents in Kinondoni and 10.9% in Bagamoyo, alongside private inseminators who served 39.9% and 29.7% of respondents in the respective districts. Notably, 36.2% of respondents in Kinondoni and 21.7% in Bagamoyo were unaware of AI services, underscoring significant gaps in outreach and awareness. These findings indicate that inadequate institutional support and limited extension services hinder the adoption of improved breeding technologies, while private sector contributions play a critical role in advancing these technologies. Addressing these challenges requires strengthened public-private partnerships, enhanced capacity-building initiatives, and targeted awareness campaigns. This study highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to improve dairy breeding technology adoption, which is essential for advancing the dairy industry and improving farmers’ livelihoods in the region.
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