Information and Communication Technologies as Enablers for Effective Functioning of Agricultural Innovation Systems in Tanzania: Experiences of Young Farmers

This study presents the usefulness of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in Agricultural Innovation Systems (AIS) functioning among young farmers in Tanzania. The AIS approach's preference for development results from its inclusiveness and interactions among the actors in influencing each other into learning and innovation. Young farmers in Tanzania are key actors in AIS functioning, but their ability to influence other actors using ICTs to maximize their crop productivity is contentious. This paper applied the Social Network Analysis (SNA) method to assess 90 young farmers' influence on other 38 actors to interact using ICTs for crop productivity endeavours. These actors include researchers, extension agents, input suppliers (fertilizers, seeds and pesticides), seed agencies, processors, local traders, financial institutions, NGOs, and consumers. The study revealed that young farmers were dissatisfied with the quality and frequency of interaction with key stakeholders or actors such as extension agents, researchers, and financial institutions. However, despite the low level of interaction, the study has revealed that young farmers are important actors in enhancing crop productivity. Therefore, the need for researchers, extensionists, input suppliers, financial institutions, and NGOs to interact with young farmers is recommended because young farmers are the centre of knowledge in AIS functioning. Keywords: Agricultural Innovation System, Social Network Analysis, Knowledge Management Systems, Multi-stakeholders' Platforms, Farming, Youths