The contribution of SUA FM radio to improving farming practices in Mvomero district, Morogoro region, Tanzania

Calvin Gwabara; Andrew Watson Malekani; Ester Ernest Mnzava

doi:10.51867/AQSSR.2.3.30

Authors

Calvin Gwabara Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania Author https://orcid.org/0009-0006-1385-3450
Dr. Andrew Malekani Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1862-6362
Dr. Ester Ernest Mnzava Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3312-3635

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51867/AQSSR.2.3.30

Keywords:

Agriculture Production, Extension Services, Farming Practice, ICT Use, Mvomero District, Radio Programs, SUA FM Radio

Abstract

Radio is one of the most effective agricultural communication tools; with its reach, accessibility, and ability to overcome literacy barriers, radio can be one of the most powerful agricultural communication tools. The community radio station SUA FM Radio, affiliated with the Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), is specifically designed to offer agricultural programs based on scientific research and practical advice tailored to farmers in simple language. However, there is no empirical evidence of how this radio has contributed to the transformation of agriculture as a source of agricultural information and a tool for empowering farmers to improve their farming practices and production. The study examined how SUA FM Radio is contributing to the improvement of agricultural practices among smallholder farmers in the Mvomero district of the Morogoro region, Tanzania. Guided by Uses and Gratifications Theory (UGT), the research focused on four specific objectives: assessing how demographic factors influence the use of SUA FM Radio for improving agricultural practices, assessing the SUA FM Radio’s influence on improving farming practices in the Mvomero district, determining the timeliness of the agricultural information offered by SUA FM Radio to farmers, and assessing challenges facing farmers in accessing SUA FM Radio programs in the Mvomero district. Study using a cross-sectional design of the study. A multi-stage sampling technique was used, using purposive sampling to select regions, districts, wards, and respondents. Then the sample of 204 farmers who were SUA FM listeners was selected by simple random sampling in three wards, namely Wami Dakawa, Mlali, and Mzumbe. Data was collected through questionnaires and interviews and analyzed using inferential statistics, which was linear regression, and descriptive statistics, which were based on frequency and percentages. The results through the regression analysis indicated that education and marital status were negative (-0.303) with an odds ratio of 0.74, and the variable was statistically significant (p < 0.05), indicating the most significant predictors of how much SUA FM Radio contributed to improved farming; age had a slight negative effect, and gender did not. Analysis showed that 91.6% of farmers agreed that SUA FM Radio programs had enhanced farming practices, particularly on crop cultivation, use of better seeds, weather, and pest control, while over 51% found the information timely and relevant to the agricultural calendar (although 44.3% reported that the information was sometimes delayed), with key challenges being poor radio signal reception (25.6%) and lack of program timetables (16.3%). The study concludes that SUA FM radio is important for increasing agricultural knowledge, but that improvements are needed to enhance its impact on knowledge; for example, age and gender had no statistically significant effect on the contribution of SUA FM radio to increasing agricultural knowledge, but education and marital status did. The study recommends that SUAFM Radio align its programs with the agricultural calendar, expand its content, improve the coverage of its signals, and provide a clear timetable; also, efforts to improve agricultural practices should be focused on educating farmers and supporting married couples.

References

Abdulai, A.-R., Chireh, V. K., & Tchoukaleyska, R. (2021). Engaging diverse audiences: The role of community radio in rural climate change knowledge translation. Journal of Community Engagement and Scholarship, 13(3), 108-121. https://doi.org/10.54656/wyqw9689

Adeyeye, B., & Amodu, L. (2021). Agricultural radio programmes in indigenous languages and agricultural productivity in North-Central Nigeria. Sustainability, 13, 3929.

https://doi.org/10.3390/su13073929

Alant, B. P., & Bakare, O. O. (2021). A case study of the relationship between smallholder farmers' ICT literacy levels and demographic data w.r.t. their use and adoption of ICT for weather forecasting. Heliyon, 7(3), e06403. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06403

Arslan, A., Floress, K., Lamanna, C., Lipper, L., & Rosenstock, T. S. (2022). A meta-analysis of the adoption of agricultural technology in Sub-Saharan Africa. PLOS Sustainability and Transformation, 1(7), 1-17. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pstr.0000018

Attuh, S., & Kankam, P. K. (2024). Community radio as information dissemination tool for sustainable rural development in Ghana. Journal of Radio and Audio Media, 31(1), 248-270. https://doi.org/10.1080/19376529.2022.2146119

Awoke, M. D., Löhr, K., Kimaro, A. A., Lana, M., Soh Wenda, B. D., Buabeng, K., Hafner, J. M., & Sieber, S. (2024). Exploring gender dynamics in climate-smart agriculture adoption: A study in semi-arid Dodoma, Tanzania. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 8(2), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2024.1507540

Awuah-Frimpong, R., Tham-Agyekum, E. K., Ankuyi, F., Freeman, C., Annor-Frempong, F., & Andivi Bakang, J. E. (2024). Household welfare outcomes of access to and use of agricultural radio broadcast by women cocoa farmers in Tepa district, Ghana. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 9, 100796. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2023.100796

Babu, N. N. (2025). Evolution of agricultural extension: From traditional to digital approaches. In E-Extension in Agriculture: Digital Platforms for Knowledge Dissemination (pp. 15-18). Texify Publishers.

Badstue, L., Farnworth, C. R., Umantseva, A., Kamanzi, A., & Roeven, L. (2020). Continuity and change: Performing gender in rural Tanzania. Journal of Development Studies, 57(2), 1-16. https://doi.org/10.1080/00220388.2020.1790534

Benard, R., Dulle, F., & Lamtane, H. (2020). Challenges associated with the use of information and communication technologies in information sharing by fish farmers in the Southern highlands of Tanzania. Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society, 18(1), 91-108. https://doi.org/10.1108/JICES-11-2018-0085

https://doi.org/10.1108/JICES-11-2018-0085

Ben-Enukora, C. A., Ejem, A. A., Aremu, C. O., Adeyeye, B. K., & Oloruntoba, A. F. (2023). Access to dry season agricultural content in the broadcast media and dry season irrigation farming among smallholder farmers in Nigeria. Agriculture (Switzerland, 13(6), 1-19. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13061139

Bizo, I. M., Traore, B., Sidibé, A., & Soulé, M. (2024). Effectiveness of climate information services: An evaluation of the accuracy and socio-economic benefits for smallholder farmers in Niger and Mali. Frontiers in Climate, 6(1), 2-15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fclim.2024.1345888

Busindeli, I. M. (2024). Gender-based factors influencing the choice of communication media for accessing agricultural information in Kilosa and Mvomero Districts, Tanzania. Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology, 42(4), 143-152. https://doi.org/10.9734/ajaees/2024/v42i42404

CGIAR. (2022). Artificial intelligence enables extension services reaching 12 million farmers in sub-Saharan Africa to respond to farmers' voices. CGIAR. https://www.cgiar.org/initiative-result/artificial-intelligence-enables-extension-services-reaching-12-million-farmers-in-sub-saharan-africa-to-respond-to-farmers-voices/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Chen, Y., & Lu, Y. (2020). Factors influencing the information needs and information access channels of farmers: An empirical study in Guangdong, China. Journal of Information Science, 46(1), 3-22. https://doi.org/10.1177/0165551518819970

Chidimbah Munthali, G. N., Puming, H., Banda, L. O. L., & Ngulube, P. S. D. (2025). Diversities of conservation agriculture technologies being adopted by rural farmers in sub-Saharan Africa region: A case study from Vibangalala extension planning area, Mzimba District, Malawi. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 9(1), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2025.1529846

Choruma, D. J., Dirwai, T. L., Mutenje, M. J., Mustafa, M., Chimonyo, V. G. P., Jacobs-Mata, I., & Mabhaudhi, T. (2024). Digitalisation in agriculture: A scoping review of technologies in practice, challenges, and opportunities for smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 18, 101286. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafr.2024.101286

Cubos, J. T., & Vargas, D. (2021). Agricultural information access of farmers through rural radio agricultural radio programs. SSRN Electronic Journal. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3784724

Ernest, M., & Jacobs, L. (2023). Evaluation of web-based online agricultural information relevant to Tanzanian maize producers. The African Journal of Information and Communication (AJIC), 31, 1-21. https://doi.org/10.23962/ajic.i31.15944

FAO. (2021). An innovation in agricultural science and technology extension system: Case study on science and technology backyard an innovation in agricultural science and technology extension system.

Farayola, C. O., Gbadamosi, F. Y., & Alalade, O. A. (2020). The usage of information communication technologies (ICT) in accessing agricultural information by smallholder farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria. American Journal of Sciences and Engineering Research, 3(2), 39-44.

Gupta, V. (2020). A case study on economic development of Tanzania. Journal of the International Academy for Case Studies, 26(1), 1-17. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340271782

Hajdarmataj, F., & Paksoy, A. (2023). Uses and gratifications theory in social media applications: Today's active users, characteristics and obtained gratifications. Current Studies in Communication Sciences. Literatürk Academia, 423.

Haruna, A., & Eze, C. I. (2024). Challenges faced by farmers in adopting agricultural innovations transmitted by radio stations in Kaduna and Kano States, Nigeria. Journal of Communication and Media Research, 16(2), 194-202.

Haruna, A., & Ibrahim, M. (2024). Exposure to radio agricultural programmes and adoption of innovations in farming in Kaduna and Kano States, Nigeria. International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR), 2(2), 134-146.

Ishengoma, D. J. (2024). Community radio in breaking the silence of gender-based violence in Tanzania: An analysis of Sengerema community radio. Journal of Applied Journalism & Media Studies, 2(February), 23. https://doi.org/10.1386/ajms_00128_1

Issahaku, G., & Awudu, A. (2020). Adoption of climate‐smart practices and its impact on farm performance and risk. Australian Journal of Agriculture and Resource Economics, 1(2), 25.

https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8489.12357

Jat, J. R., Punjabi, N. K., & Bhinda, R. (2021). Use of ICTs by tribal farmers for obtaining agricultural information in Southern Rajasthan. Indian Journal of Extension Education, 57(3), 16-19. https://doi.org/10.48165/ijee.2021.57304

Kalungwizi, V., Camilius, S., & Msuya, C. (2013). Building an agricultural extension services system supported by ICTs in Tanzania: Progress made, challenges remain. International Journal of Education and Development Using Information and Communication Technology, 9(1), 80-99.

Komodromos, M. (2024). Interactive radio, social network sites and development in Africa: A literature review study. Emerald Insight, 15(2), 282-295. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEC-06-2020-0111

Kumar, U., Werners, S., Roy, S., Ashraf, S., Hoang, L. P., Datta, D. K., & Ludwig, F. (2020). Role of information in farmers' response to weather and water related stresses in the lower Bengal Delta, Bangladesh. Sustainability (Switzerland), 12(16), 24. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12166598

Laor, T. (2022). Radio on demand: New habits of consuming radio content. Global Media and Communication, 18(1), 25-48. https://doi.org/10.1177/17427665211073868

Liestia, M. N. (2023). Utilization of uses and gratifications in media use literature during the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Social Research, 2(8), 2608-2627. https://doi.org/10.55324/josr.v2i8.1299

Magesa, M., Jonathan, J., & Urassa, J. (2023). Digital literacy of smallholder farmers in Tanzania. Sustainability (Switzerland), 15(17), 1-22. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151713149

Mapiye, O., Makombe, G., Molotsi, A., Dzama, K., & Mapiye, C. (2023). Information and communication technologies (ICTs): The potential for enhancing the dissemination of agricultural information and services to smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. Information Development, 39(3), 638-658. https://doi.org/10.1177/02666669211064847

MCT. (2023). State of the media in Tanzania 2022-2023. Accident Analysis and Prevention, 183(2), 153-164.

Mhlaba, P., & Yusuf, S. F. G. (2020). Prospects of community radio broadcast as agricultural extension service delivery tool to smallholder farmers in South Africa. Journal for New Generation Sciences, 18(1), 31-44.

Mligo, I., Misana, S., & Pauline, N. (2022). The effectiveness of adaptation strategies to climate change and variability in enhancing rural smallholder farmers' food security in Mvomero District, Tanzania. Journal of the Geographical Association of Tanzania, 42(1), 45-63. https://doi.org/10.56279/jgat.v42i1.216

Moylan, K. (2023). Research avenues for amplifying Indigenous radio. Open Research Europe, 2(3), 1-17.

https://doi.org/10.12688/openreseurope.14020.1

Msangi, N. H. (2020). The contribution of radio in promoting agricultural activities in rural Tanzania: A case of Radio Nyemo FM in Dodoma Rural District (Doctoral dissertation, The Open University of Tanzania).

Mtega, W. P. (2018). The usage of radio and television as agricultural knowledge sources: The case of farmers in Morogoro region of Tanzania. Education and Development Using Information and Communication Technology, 14(3), 252-266.

Mtega, W. P., Ngoepe, M., & Dube, L. (2016). Factors influencing access to agricultural knowledge: The case of smallholder rice farmers in the Kilombero district of Tanzania. SA Journal of Information Management, 18(1), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.4102/sajim.v18i1.679

Muita, R., Dougill, A., Mutemi, J., Aura, S., Graham, R., Awolala, D., Nkiaka, E., Hirons, L., & Opijah, F. (2021). Understanding the role of user needs and perceptions related to sub-seasonal and seasonal forecasts on farmers' decisions in Kenya: A systematic review. Frontiers in Climate, 3, 1-24. https://doi.org/10.3389/fclim.2021.580556

Musinguzi, D., Ssemakula, E., & Nuwemuhwezi, G. (2024). Effectiveness of radio agricultural programmes in scaling up farming activities of smallholder farmers in Bushenyi District. World Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology, 2(4), 111-118. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.wjast.20240204.11

Mwalukasa, N., Mlozi, M. R. S., & Sanga, C. A. (2018). Influence of socio-demographic factors on the use of mobile phones in accessing rice information on climate change adaptation in Tanzania. Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, 67(8-9), 566-584. https://doi.org/10.1108/GKMC-01-2018-0006

Nkuba, M. R., Chanda, R., Mmopelwa, G., Kato, E., Mangheni, M. N., Lesolle, D., Adedoyin, A., & Mujuni, G. (2023). Factors associated with farmers' use of indigenous and scientific climate forecasts in Rwenzori region, Western Uganda. Regional Environmental Change, 23(1), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10113-022-01994-0

Norton, G. W., & Alwang, J. (2020). Changes in agricultural extension and implications for farmer adoption of new practices. Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, 42(1), 8-20. https://doi.org/10.1002/aepp.13008

Nthama, N., & Oladele, O. I. (2024). Effects of radio-based extension services on farmers' adoption of organo-mineral fertilizers, biofertilizers, and manure in Lesotho. Journal of Radio and Audio Media, 00(00), 1-17. https://doi.org/10.1080/19376529.2024.2332714

Oyinloye, O., Oyegoke, N. A., Odion, V. E., & Ojewumi, O. O. (2024). Adopting radio-based literacy programs for adult literacy: Prospects and challenges. African Journal of Social and Behavioural Sciences, 14(2), 651-670.

Palvi, S. K., Naberia, S., & Khare, N. K. (2018). Listening behaviour of audience farmers of Shahdol District of Madhya Pradesh towards Kisanvani Programme of All India Radio. International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences, 7(7), 1-103. https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcmas.2018.707.445

Pandarathodiyil, A. K., Mani, S. A., Veerabhadrappa, S. K., Danaee, M., & Zamzuri, A. T. Bin. (2024). Cross-cultural validation of Malay version of perceived professionalism among dental patients. BDJ Open, 10(1), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41405-024-00234-3

Prakas, M. N., & D. R. (2024). Examining the impact of electronic media on the adoption of eco-friendly agricultural practices. Indian Journal of Legal Review, 4(1), 1267-1277.

Ragasa, C., Mzungu, D., Kalagho, K., & Kazembe, C. (2021). Impact of interactive radio programming on agricultural technology adoption and crop diversification in Malawi. Journal of Development Effectiveness, 13(2), 204-223.

https://doi.org/10.1080/19439342.2020.1853793

Ragasa, C., Mzungu, D., Kalagho, K., & Kazembe, C. (2022). Role of interactive radio programming in advancing women's and youth's empowerment and dietary diversity: Mixed method evidence from Malawi. Food Security, 14(5), 1259-1277.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s12571-022-01284-x

Rahman, M. S., Karim, M. R., Hasan, M. F., Hossain, M. A., & Huda, S. (2010). Preference of farmers on radio programs and their effectiveness in the dissemination of agricultural information. Journal of Science and Technology, 8(March), 208-212.

Raza, A., Tong, G., Sikandar, F., Erokhin, V., & Tong, Z. (2023). Financial literacy and credit accessibility of rice farmers in Pakistan: Analysis for Central Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa regions. Sustainability (Switzerland), 15(4), 24. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15042963

Rehman, F., Muhammad, S., Ashraf, I., Mahmood, K. C., Ruby, T., & Bib, I. (2022). Effect of farmers' socioeconomic characteristics on access to agricultural information: Empirical evidence from Pakistan. Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences, 23(1), 324-329.

Salam, A., & Khan, M. Z. (2020). Farmers' perception analysis about the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in agriculture extension services of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Sarhad Journal of Agriculture, 36(3), 754-760. https://doi.org/10.17582/journal.sja/2020/36.3.754.760

Salik, M. H., Tanwir, F., Saboor, A., Akram, M. B., Anjum, F., Mehdi, M., Ashraf, I., Naazer, M. A., Latif, M., Ahmad, M. S., & Yasmin, S. (2021). Role of radio communication and adoption of modern agricultural technology: A study of farmers in district Jhang, Punjab-Pakistan. Pakistan Journal of Agriculture Science, 58(2), 731-738. https://doi.org/10.21162/PAKJAS/21.1101

Salter, M. B. (2023). Research design. In Research in Social Science: Interdisciplinary Perspectives (pp. 68-84). Routledge.

Sawe, J. R. (2025). Smallholder farmers' satisfaction with agricultural information for enhancing climate change adaptation in Mbogwe District, Tanzania. University of Dar Es Salaam Library Journal, 20(1), 28-48. https://doi.org/10.4314/udslj.v20i1.3

Shodipe, O. A., Sanusi, B., Talabi, F. O., & Adelabu, O. (2024). Radio's role in agricultural development: A review of broadcasting strategies for farmer education in South-West Nigeria. Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, 2(July), 1-16. https://doi.org/10.1108/GKMC-03-2024-0163

Shukla, G., & Ansari. (2024). Assessment of agricultural information needs of farmers: Triangulating reliability of standardized information need index. Gujarat Journal of Extension Education, 37(2), 26-31. https://doi.org/10.56572/gjoee.2024.37.2.0005

Sibanda, M. N., & Nkomo, B. (2025). A new era or error? Community radio licensing in Zimbabwe: Issues, dynamics, and sustainability challenges. Journal of Radio and Audio Media, 32(1), 24-47. https://doi.org/10.1080/19376529.2023.2246140

Silvestri, S., Richard, M., Edward, B., Dharmesh, G., & Dannie, R. (2021). Going digital in agriculture: How radio and SMS can scale-up smallholder participation in legume-based sustainable agricultural intensification practices and technologies in Tanzania. International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability, 19(5-6), 583-594. https://doi.org/10.1080/14735903.2020.1750796

Tafida, I., & Sabiu, S. A. (2021). Analysis of agricultural radio programmes utilization among crop farmers in Kano state, Nigeria. Journal of Agricultural Economics, Environment and Social Science, 7(1), 167-188. http://www.jaeess.com.ng

Tham-Agyekum, E. K., Manu, R. A., Tawfik, I., Mensah, W., Adarkwa, B. O., Ziblim, A., & Bakang, J. E. A. (2025). Amplifying voices for climate resilience: Farm radio's role in maize farmers' adaptation and mitigation efforts in Kumbungu District, Ghana. Environmental Communication, 19(4), 707-722. https://doi.org/10.1080/17524032.2025.2453228

URT. (2024). Land Tenure Improvement Project (LTIP) environmental and social management plan for rural certification process in Mvomero District Council. Ministry of Land, 2(January), 1-9.

Varpio, L., Paradis, E., Uijtdehaage, S., & Young, M. (2020). The distinctions between theory, theoretical framework, and conceptual framework. Academic Medicine, 95(7), 989-994. https://doi.org/10.1097/ACM.0000000000003075

Wilson, M., Ssemakula, P. E., & Kalibwani, R. (2025). Effectiveness of radio agricultural programs in scaling up farming activities of smallholder farmers in Kasese District. East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology, 8(1), 519-535. https://doi.org/10.37284/eajab.8.1.3289

Yahaya, M., Yahaya, K., & Kabiru, R. (2020). Assessment of rice farmers' and extension agents' perceptions on the use of radio in dissemination of agricultural information in Zamfara State, Nigeria. Anchor University Journal of Science and Technology (AUJST), 1(2), 17-24.

Yessoufou, A. N.-D., Kumar, S., Worou, N., Faye, A., Houessionon, P., Huyer, S., Diedhiou, L., & Whitbread, A. M. (2022). Assessing the reach of climate and agricultural related content via community radio stations in Senegal (December, 1-17).

Yusuf, I. (2020). The role of radio and television in rural agricultural development. Journal of Human Ecology, 5(1), 91-97.