In Tanzania, smallholder dairy farmers mainly rely on natural pastures as the primary feed source for their livestock; however, pasture productivity and forage availability remain major challenges, particularly during the dry season. This study aimed to assess the role of training in enhancing pasture management among smallholder dairy farmers in Muheza District. Specifically, it evaluated the adoption of improved pasture management and forage conservation practices by trained versus untrained farmers. A cross-sectional research design was used, and data were collected from 210 dairy farmers (105 trained and 105 untrained) selected through stratified random sampling. A structured questionnaire was administered, and qualitative information was also gathered from key informants. Quantitative data were analyzed using STATA version 17. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests were used to examine group differences and associations between categorical variables, while multivariate probit model was employed to identify socio-economic factors influencing adoption of improved practices. Findings revealed that trained farmers were more likely to implement improved pasture management strategies such as rotational grazing, pasture rest and recovery periods, and efficient water use. They also adopted superior forage conservation techniques, including drying, baling, and the use of additives. In contrast, untrained farmers primarily relied on traditional and less efficient practices. The multivariate analysis showed that factors such as age, education level, household income, farm size, and access to institutional support significantly influence the adoption levels. The study concludes that training interventions, when combined with supportive socio-economic and institutional frameworks, play a key role in enhancing the adoption of improved pasture and forage conservation practices. Scaling up such training efforts is recommended to boost livestock productivity and sustainability among smallholder dairy farmers in Tanzania.
| Published in | International Journal of Animal Science and Technology (Volume 9, Issue 4) |
| DOI | 10.11648/j.ijast.20250904.11 |
| Page(s) | 176-192 |
| Creative Commons |
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited. |
| Copyright |
Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group |
Training, Smallholder Dairy Farmers, Pasture Management, Forage Conservation, Innovations
| [1] | Van Eck, J., & Puchta, H. (2019). Food & Agriculture. In Chemistry and Industry (London) (Vol. 83, Issue 2). |
| [2] |
Msuta, G. (2018). Challenges and Prospects of Smallholder Dairy Farming in Tanzania. 4th Annual.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/fsp/news/Paper_2.6._TALIRI_Gilbert_Msuta.pdf |
| [3] | Swai, E. S., & Karimuribo, E. D. (2011). Smallholder dairy farming in Tanzania: Current profiles and prospects for development. Outlook on Agriculture, 40(1), 21–27. |
| [4] | Maleko, D., Msalya, G., Mwilawa, A., Pasape, L., & Mtei, K. (2018). Smallholder dairy cattle feeding technologies and practices in Tanzania: failures, successes, challenges and prospects for sustainability. International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability, 16(2), 201–213. |
| [5] | Ochieng Otieno, G., Mbeche, R. M., Muendo, K., & Mbeche, R. (2020). Smallholder Dairy Production, Motivations, Perceptions and Challenges in Nyandarua and Nakuru Counties, Kenya. Issue 1 Ser. II, 13(1), 42–50. |
| [6] | Hatew, B., Peñagaricano, F., Balehegn, M., Jones, C. S., Dahl, G. E., & Adesogan, A. T. (2023). Synergies of feed, management trainings, and genetics on milk production of dairy cows in the tropics : The case of Ethiopian smallholder farmers. March, 1–12. |
| [7] | Abiola, P. M., Olumuyiwa, A. A., Anne, O. T., & Olalekan, L. L. (2020). Assessment of Training Needs Among Dairy Cattle Farmers in Oyo. 2(1). |
| [8] |
Addisu, J., Tafere, M., Dagnew, S., Tolla, M., G. Selassie, Y., Amane, A., & Molla, D. (2015). Best Fit Practice Manual For Rhodes Grass (Chloris Gayana) Production. 1–31.
https://www.bdu.edu.et/sites/default/files/publication/10- Rhodes grass manual_0.pdf |
| [9] | Nigus, A. (2017). Pasture Management and Improvement Strategies in Ethiopia. Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare, 7(1), 69–78. |
| [10] | Ndah, H. T., Schuler, J., Nkwain, V. N., Nzogela, B., Mangesho, W., Mollel, R., Loina, R., Zander, P., & Paul, B. K. (2022). Determinants for Smallholder Farmers’ Adoption of Improved Forages in Dairy Production Systems: The Case of Tanga Region, Tanzania. Agronomy, 12(2). |
| [11] | Turner, L., & Irvine, L. (2017). Tasmanian dairy farmers and the pasture management learning process : Case study findings on the role of coaching in achieving practice change. 13(1), 31–40. |
| [12] | Quddus, M. (2013). Adoption of dairy farming technologies by small farm holders: practices and constraints. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science, 41(2), 124–135. |
| [13] | URT. (2006). The United Republic of Tanzania Ministry of Livestock Development. Livestock Development Policy, December, 16. |
| [14] | UNDP. (2015). United Natied Nations Deveopment Programms UNDP: UNDPSupport to the Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. SDGs Booklet_Web, Sustainable Development Goals, 24. |
| [15] | Mzingula, E. P. (2019). Socio-Economic Impacts of Smallholder Dairy Cattle Farming on Livelihood in Sunga Ward of Lushoto District, Tanzania. SSRN Electronic Journal, 1(2), 41–49. |
| [16] | Löhr, K., & Rybak, C. (2024). Adoption of processing technologies and innovative food preservation techniques : findings from smallholders in the Lindi Region in Tanzania. January, 1–12. |
| [17] | Mgendi, G., Mao, S., & Qiao, F. (2021). Is a training program sufficient to improve the smallholder farmers’ productivity in Africa? Empirical evidence from a Chinese agricultural technology demonstration center in Tanzania. Sustainability (Switzerland), 13(3), 1–23. |
| [18] | Žnidaršič, J., & Jereb, E. (2011). Innovations and Lifelong Learning in Sustainable Organization. Organizacija, 44(6), 185–194. |
| [19] | Hassa, M. R. (2018). Forage and fodder crop production. 1–65. |
| [20] |
Mbilu, A. P. (2015). Smallholder dairy farmers’ technical efficiency in milk production: case of epinav dairy project in njombe district, tanzania adiel. 151, 10–17.
https://www.suaire.sua.ac.tz/server/api/core/bitstreams/1bc6e36d-d14b-4116-8f3f-bfc9eb204494/content |
| [21] |
Mwangi, M., & Kariuki, S. (2015). Factors Determining Adoption of New Agricultural Technology by Smallholder Farmers in Developing Countries. 6(5), 208–217.
https://www.scirp.org/reference/referencespapers?referenceid=3038204 |
| [22] | Kiptot, E. (2015). Farmer-to-farmer extension : opportunities for enhancing performance of volunteer farmer trainers in Kenya Development in Practice Farmer-to-farmer extension : opportunities for enhancing performance of volunteer farmer trainers in Kenya. May. |
| [23] | Singh, P., & Rampal, V. K. (2016). Extent of Knowledge of Trained and Untrained Dairy Farmers of Malwa Region of Punjab. International Journal of Bio-Resource and Stress Management, 7(6), 1383–1386. |
| [24] | Twinamatsiko, R., Nalule, A. S., & Okello, S. (2020). Drivers and restrictions of range pasture improvement by agro-pastoralists in Kiruhura District, Uganda. African Journal of Agricultural Research, 16(11), 1514–1530. |
| [25] |
Abraham, E. M. (2020). The Effect of Training on Cattle Farmers ’ Productivity and Efficiency : A Case of Kunene region, Namibia. February 2020.
https://ir.nust.na/items/ea36e3f6-0d0a-4766-ad3e-9f930de8e03d/full |
| [26] | Balehegn, M., Ayantunde, A., Amole, T., Njarui, D., Nkosi, B. D., Müller, F. L., Meeske, R., Tjelele, T. J., Malebana, I. M., Madibela, O. R., Boitumelo, W. S., Lukuyu, B., Weseh, A., Minani, E., & Adesogan, A. T. (2022). Forage conservation in sub-Saharan Africa: Review of experiences, challenges, and opportunities. Agronomy Journal, 114(1), 75–99. |
| [27] | Sailevu, E., Kimaro, E., & Nguluma, A. (2025). Socio-demographic and economic factors influencing the adoption of dairy breeding technologies in Tanzania. International Journal of Biosciences (IJB), 6655, 94–103. |
| [28] |
Ahmad Wani, T., & Wajid Ali, S. (2015). Innovation Diffusion Theory Review & Scope in the Study of Adoption of Smartphones in India. Journal of General Management Research, 2, 98–115.
https://www.scirp.org/reference/referencespapers?referenceid=2955903 |
| [29] |
Hoffmann, V.(2011). Knowledge and Innovation Management A 7020. 1–168.
https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation?paperid=129531 |
| [30] | Sahin, I., Rogers, F., Rogers, F., & Rogers, F. (2006). Detailed review of rogers ’ diffusion of innovations theory and educational technology-related studies based on rogers ’. 5(2). |
| [31] |
TARI -Mlingano. (2006). Soils of Tanzania Potential for Agriculture Development. Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Coopertaives., November, 1–36.
https://www.tari.go.tz/assets/uploads/documents/3f14806eccc256284dcee927b897a9f7.pdf |
| [32] | Hunziker, S., Blankenagel, M., & Wiesbaden, S. F. (2021). Research Design in Business and Management: A Practical Guide for Students and Researchers. Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden GmbH. |
| [33] | Cholo, W., Thiga, *, Mumbi, L., & Wilberforce, C. (2017). An assessment of open defecation among residents of Thika East Sub-County, Kiambu County, Kenya. International Journal of Medicine Research, 2(3), 2455–7404. |
| [34] |
Koech, O., & Kibet, S. (2021). Pasture Production and Conservation Training Manual. University of Nairobi, 42
https://www.scirp.org/reference/referencespapers?referenceid=4043237 |
| [35] | Yirga, C., Atnafe, Y., & Awhassan, A. (2015). A Multivariate Analysis of Factors Affecting Adoption of Improved Varieties of Multiple Crops: A Case Study from Ethiopian Highlands A Multivariate Analysis of Factors Affecting Adoption of Improved Varieties (30). J. Agric. Sci, 25(2), 29–45. |
| [36] |
Lukuyu, B., Gachuiri, C. K., Lukuyu, M. N., Lusweti, C., & Mwendia, S. (2012). Feeding dairy cattle in East Africa. East Africa Dairy Development Project, Nairobi, Kenya. 1–112.
https://cgspace.cgiar.org/bitstreams/13ee5db4-0781-4092-a353-72c3931dce2d/download |
| [37] | Kiggundu, M., Kigozi, A., Walusimbi, H. K., & Mugerwa, S. (2021). Farmers’ perception of calf housing and factors influencing its adoption on dairy cattle farms in Uganda. Scientific African, 12, e00805. |
| [38] | Bang, J., & Han, J. W. (2025). Factors Influencing Farmers’ Motivation to Adopt Smart Farm Technology in South Korea. |
| [39] | Zemarku, Z., Senapathy, M., & Bojago, E. (2022). Determinants of Adoption of Improved Dairy Technologies: The Case of Offa Woreda, Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Advances in Agriculture, 2022, 35–49. |
| [40] | Sharma, M., Singh, G., Training, D., Punjab, K., Prof, A., Edu, E., & Punjab, M. (2014). Impact Evaluation of Training Programmes on Dairy Farming in Punjab State. 14 October 2009). |
| [41] | Ndeke A, M. (2021). Gender Influence on Soil Fertility and Water Management Technologies Uptake Among Smallholder Farmers in Tharaka Nithi County Amos Mwenda Ndeke a Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Science i. |
| [42] | Maina, K. W., Ritho, C. N., Lukuyu, B. A., & Rao, E. J. O. (2020). Socio-economic determinants and impact of adopting climate-smart Brachiaria grass among dairy farmers in Eastern and Western regions of Kenya. Heliyon, 6(6), e04335. |
| [43] | Rahman, M. S., Sujan, M. H. K., Sherf-Ul-Alam, M., Sultana, M., & Akter, M. S. (2023). Adoption of improved management practices of livestock: Case of small-scale farmers in rural Bangladesh. Heliyon, 9(8), e18667. |
APA Style
James, C. A., Lutatenekwa, D. L., Nziku, Z. C., Urassa, J. K. (2025). Assessing the Role of Training in Improving Pasture Management Among Smallholder Dairy Farmers in Muheza District, Tanzania. International Journal of Animal Science and Technology, 9(4), 176-192. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijast.20250904.11
ACS Style
James, C. A.; Lutatenekwa, D. L.; Nziku, Z. C.; Urassa, J. K. Assessing the Role of Training in Improving Pasture Management Among Smallholder Dairy Farmers in Muheza District, Tanzania. Int. J. Anim. Sci. Technol. 2025, 9(4), 176-192. doi: 10.11648/j.ijast.20250904.11
Share This Article
Twitter
Linked In
Facebook
Copy
Download@article{10.11648/j.ijast.20250904.11,
author = {Calvin Aron James and Dorice Leonard Lutatenekwa and Zabron Cuthibert Nziku and Justin Kalisti Urassa},
title = {Assessing the Role of Training in Improving Pasture Management Among Smallholder Dairy Farmers in Muheza District, Tanzania
},
journal = {International Journal of Animal Science and Technology},
volume = {9},
number = {4},
pages = {176-192},
doi = {10.11648/j.ijast.20250904.11},
url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijast.20250904.11},
eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijast.20250904.11},
abstract = {In Tanzania, smallholder dairy farmers mainly rely on natural pastures as the primary feed source for their livestock; however, pasture productivity and forage availability remain major challenges, particularly during the dry season. This study aimed to assess the role of training in enhancing pasture management among smallholder dairy farmers in Muheza District. Specifically, it evaluated the adoption of improved pasture management and forage conservation practices by trained versus untrained farmers. A cross-sectional research design was used, and data were collected from 210 dairy farmers (105 trained and 105 untrained) selected through stratified random sampling. A structured questionnaire was administered, and qualitative information was also gathered from key informants. Quantitative data were analyzed using STATA version 17. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests were used to examine group differences and associations between categorical variables, while multivariate probit model was employed to identify socio-economic factors influencing adoption of improved practices. Findings revealed that trained farmers were more likely to implement improved pasture management strategies such as rotational grazing, pasture rest and recovery periods, and efficient water use. They also adopted superior forage conservation techniques, including drying, baling, and the use of additives. In contrast, untrained farmers primarily relied on traditional and less efficient practices. The multivariate analysis showed that factors such as age, education level, household income, farm size, and access to institutional support significantly influence the adoption levels. The study concludes that training interventions, when combined with supportive socio-economic and institutional frameworks, play a key role in enhancing the adoption of improved pasture and forage conservation practices. Scaling up such training efforts is recommended to boost livestock productivity and sustainability among smallholder dairy farmers in Tanzania.
},
year = {2025}
}
TY - JOUR T1 - Assessing the Role of Training in Improving Pasture Management Among Smallholder Dairy Farmers in Muheza District, Tanzania AU - Calvin Aron James AU - Dorice Leonard Lutatenekwa AU - Zabron Cuthibert Nziku AU - Justin Kalisti Urassa Y1 - 2025/10/31 PY - 2025 N1 - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijast.20250904.11 DO - 10.11648/j.ijast.20250904.11 T2 - International Journal of Animal Science and Technology JF - International Journal of Animal Science and Technology JO - International Journal of Animal Science and Technology SP - 176 EP - 192 PB - Science Publishing Group SN - 2640-1312 UR - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijast.20250904.11 AB - In Tanzania, smallholder dairy farmers mainly rely on natural pastures as the primary feed source for their livestock; however, pasture productivity and forage availability remain major challenges, particularly during the dry season. This study aimed to assess the role of training in enhancing pasture management among smallholder dairy farmers in Muheza District. Specifically, it evaluated the adoption of improved pasture management and forage conservation practices by trained versus untrained farmers. A cross-sectional research design was used, and data were collected from 210 dairy farmers (105 trained and 105 untrained) selected through stratified random sampling. A structured questionnaire was administered, and qualitative information was also gathered from key informants. Quantitative data were analyzed using STATA version 17. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests were used to examine group differences and associations between categorical variables, while multivariate probit model was employed to identify socio-economic factors influencing adoption of improved practices. Findings revealed that trained farmers were more likely to implement improved pasture management strategies such as rotational grazing, pasture rest and recovery periods, and efficient water use. They also adopted superior forage conservation techniques, including drying, baling, and the use of additives. In contrast, untrained farmers primarily relied on traditional and less efficient practices. The multivariate analysis showed that factors such as age, education level, household income, farm size, and access to institutional support significantly influence the adoption levels. The study concludes that training interventions, when combined with supportive socio-economic and institutional frameworks, play a key role in enhancing the adoption of improved pasture and forage conservation practices. Scaling up such training efforts is recommended to boost livestock productivity and sustainability among smallholder dairy farmers in Tanzania. VL - 9 IS - 4 ER -
Department of Animal, Aquaculture and Range Sciences, Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), Morogoro, Tanzania; Department of Training and Consultancy, Livestock Training Agency (LITA), Tanga, Tanzania
Department of Animal, Aquaculture and Range Sciences, Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), Morogoro, Tanzania
Department of Policy, Planning and Management, Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), Morogoro, Tanzania
Information