The technology package included improved varieties (SARO 5 and URO1); application of inorganic fertilizer (Di ammonium phosphate top dressed byurea); and application of herbicides (pre-emergence - Ronstar andpost-emergence propanil). This package was applied on farmer’s fields andcompared against the local varieties and farmers’ practices. On-farm andparticipatory methods were used to evaluate the established technologies fortwo seasons.  Use of improved varieties,fertilizers and water management improved the productivity of the rice phase.Yields of rice increased from 2.0 to 5.0 t/ha.

Information sharing and dissemination of the technology packagewas done mainly through workshops, fliers, posters, leaflets, DVDs and otherscientific papers. On the other hand, training of trainers’ workshop wasconducted for capacity building for farmers, extension staff, NGO and CBOs totake the leading role after the project came to an end. Since the developmentof the technology package, the utilization of the technologies and managementpractices has been promoted in the participating areas and some nearby villageswhere technology package has gained importance.

This package has potential to increase productivity andprofitability of rice enterprises. Apart from women participation in farmerfield school (FFS) activities to promote the package, there is insufficientevidence of its gender inclusiveness, an aspect that requires investment ofeffort and resources to address. Increased rice yields are nonetheless, likelyto translate into improved household food security and income which willprovide an impetus for the dissemination of the package in rice growingagro-ecologies of the ECA region.

At farm household level, the package is likely to increase yields translatinginto improved net incomes for end-users within a season of application.  At national level, this will save foreignexchange otherwise incurred on rice imports.

The technology is gender sensitive. Femalefarmers were highly encouraged to participate in the Farmer Field Schools (FFS).The female farmers had an opportunity to participate in all stages oftechnology development, validation and dissemination.

Juma Kayeke Mohamed;

Agronomist, Mikocheni Agric Research Institute (MARI);

P.O. Box 6226;

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Tel +255 222700552

Fax: +255 222775549

Mob: +255 754488112

Email: jkayeke@yahoo.com

R. Mghogho;

Plant Breeder, Uyole Agric Research Institute (UARI);

P. O. Box 400;

Mbeya, Tanzania.

Tel: +255 2510362,

Fax: +255 250065

Mob: +255 755558011

In 2009/2010, Mikocheni Agricultural Research Institute (MARI) incollaboration with Uyole Agricultural Research Institute, Sokoine University,Uyole Agricultural Training Institute and District Agriculture Offices of Kyelaand Songea initiated a joint effort to improve rice production and productivityusing integrated rice production technologies. Information on the availabletechnologies was collected and technologies to be integrated were identified,integrated, validated and adopted using the Farmer Field School (FFS)technology uptake pathway. The integrated technology included improvedvarieties URO01 and Semi Aromatic 5 (SARO5), Di-ammonium Phosphate (DAP) andUrea fertilizers, Pre and post emergency herbicides Ronstar 25Ec and Propanil.Farmer training and exchange visits were conducted as a capacity building component.Apart from technologies, farmers’ groups were facilitated to meet otherstakeholders in the rice value chain and developed strong ties amongstakeholders in the subsector.