Farmers' Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Towards Fertiliser Indicator Pricing Approach in Mvomero District, Tanzania

Abstract

Severe irregularities and implementation challenges in Mvomero District, Tanzania, marred the implementation of the Fertiliser Indicative Pricing Approach (FIPA). However, the questions on the levels of farmers' knowledge, attitudes and practices, knowledge categories that farmers have the least knowledge of, reasons informing attitudes and dominant ineffective FIPA practices are yet to be adequately addressed. This study assessed farmers' awareness, attitudes, and practices; knowledge categories that farmers have the least knowledge; reasons for informing attitudes; and dominant ineffective FIPA practices. Interview schedules and in-depth interviews were conducted during data collection. Qualitative data was analysed using content analysis. Farmers' attitude was gauged using a five-point Likert scale, and farmers' knowledge, knowledge categories farmers had the least knowledge, reasons informing attitudes and dominant ineffective FIPA practices were described using descriptive statistics. Results revealed that most respondents had low levels of knowledge, unfavourable attitudes and ineffective practices towards FIPA. Also, knowledge categories that farmers had the least knowledge of comprised fertiliser indicative prices, FIPA rules and regulations, and key FIPA actors. Results further indicate that high fertiliser prices, weak FIPA monitoring and low-quality fertiliser were the reasons for unfavourable attitudes. In addition, non-adherence to indicative prices, rules and regulations, and the presence of low-quality fertiliser were the dominant ineffective practices of FIPA. The study generally indicates that farmers' low awareness concerning FIPA is a major threat to FIPA implementation. The findings imply that a lack of farmers' awareness of FIPA contributes to irregularities and underperformance manifested in individualistic opportunistic behaviours. Rogue actors abuse farmers' ignorance of program key result areas by maximising their utility at the expense of the majority of farmers. Concerted efforts should be directed at training and awareness building, effective monitoring and contract enforcement on indicative price and quality standards.