Assessment of the role of capacity building on agricultural productivity: A case of Mbozi District, Tanzania

Abstract

Various studies have investigated on strategies in capacity building and its influence on agricultural productivity. However, such role of capacity building in fostering agricultural productivity in developing countries is relatively underexplored. This instance provided room for this article to investigate on capacity building and its influence on agricultural productivity in Tanzania. Specifically, it examines the role of capacity building in agricultural productivity, and identifies strategies for capacity building in Mbozi District. The study employed qualitative and quantitative techniques to collect and analyse data. Data were collected by interviews; observations and documentary review. Descriptive and inferential statistics were collected from 300 peasants and analysed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20. Content analysis approach was used to analyse qualitative data which helped in reasoning and measuring quantitative data. A p-value of 0.000 reveals that capacity building influences agricultural productivity through the use modern farming, harvesting and storage skills. Stakeholders advocate the use of best seeds, skills on edaphic factors, equipment, farm field schools; and researches and workshops as strategies in capacity building. In addition, involvement of academia, researchers, and political leaders increased agricultural productivity. These results imply that raising productivity requires a combination of different individuals, private and public institutions. Therefore, capacity building is inevitable among peasants in order to raise productivity. It is recommended that impact assessment be incorporated because it helps in reviewing and amending land and agricultural policies. Online training is recommended as an alternative to shortage of trainers to build capacity in more peasants.