Influence of communication channels for farmer-to-farmer knowledge sharing among smallholder rice growers in Mvomero District, Tanzania

Faines Christopher Msigwa; Ester Ernest Mnzava; Philibert Simon Nyinondi

doi:10.51867/AQSSR.3.3.53

Authors

Faines Christopher Msigwa Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania Author https://orcid.org/0009-0001-6068-8105
Ester Ernest Mnzava Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3312-3635
Philibert Simon Nyinondi Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania Author https://orcid.org/0009-0008-6526-533X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51867/AQSSR.3.3.53

Keywords:

Communication Channels, Farmer-to-Farmer Knowledge Sharing, Mvomero District, Social Capital,, Smallholder Rice Growers

Abstract

Communication channels play a critical role in enhancing knowledge sharing among smallholder rice growers, specifically on farmer-to-farmer knowledge sharing. This study examined the influence of communication channels on farmer to farmer knowledge sharing among rice growers in Mvomero District, Tanzania. This study is grounded on two theories, the Social Network Theory and the Diffusion of Innovation Theory. Specifically, the study identified the communication channels used by farmers and assessed the influence of socio-economic factors on their use for knowledge sharing. A quantitative research approach guided by a cross-sectional design was employed. The targeted population was smallholder rice growers from Mvomero District, where four wards were purposively selected (Mkindo, Dakawa, Mlali, and Hembeti). Data were collected from 400 rice growers selected through a multistage sampling technique involving purposive and simple random sampling. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and hierarchical multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed that face-to-face interactions, farmer groups, and mobile phones were among the most commonly used communication channels for knowledge sharing. The regression findings revealed that education, income, social capital, group membership, and mobile phone ownership significantly influenced farmer-to-farmer knowledge sharing. Social capital and group membership emerged as the strongest predictors of knowledge sharing. The study concludes that social capital and access to communication resources play a critical role in promoting knowledge exchange among smallholder rice growers. The study recommends strengthening farmer groups, enhancing social networks, and improving access to communication technologies to facilitate effective farmer-to-farmer knowledge sharing.

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