Perceptions on small-scale agricultural development : A qualitative case study made in Babati District, Manyara Region, Tanzania

Abstract: This Bachelor’s thesis examines if and how the perceptions towards agricultural development differs between small-scale farmers, agricultural advisors and entrepreneurs with various age and level of knowledge. The case study was conducted in Babati District, Tanzania, during three weeks in the spring of 2015. Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted, and to analyze the empirical results a theoretical framework was created to explain how poverty traps occur and point at possible strategies to dissolve them. The majority of the respondents expressed that the biggest obstacles and needs for small-scale farmers to be able to develop their farming is lack of capital to invest in inputs and knowledge on how to intensify their land use. The perception towards agricultural development seem to differ between generations, in that young farmers are taking part of new technology and methods when cultivating, unlike the older generation. The respondents’ general attitude towards foreign investments was predominantly negative, arguing that local knowledge is of importance if sustainable agricultural development is to be reached. To ease the agricultural development, increased knowledge on how to intensify the agricultural production and how to organize farmers’ associations is suggested.