Assessment of multi-stakeholder interactions and networks in the grape innovation system in Dodoma city, Tanzania

Abstract

Scientists all over the world agree that the multi-stakeholder interaction embraced by the agricultural innovation systems (AIS) approach is critical for boosting agricultural development. Despite this important role of enhancing agricultural production, the concept of multi-stakeholder interactions is under studied in the grape innovation systems (GIS) in Tanzania. This study examined multi-stakeholder interactions and the perceived challenges influencing interactions in the GIS at the wards of Mpunguzi, Mbabala, and Hombolo in Dodoma City. Structured interview via interview schedule was used to collect the social network data from 277 and 116 sampled grape farmers and other respondents from the other eight stakeholder groups, respectively. Also, key informant interview and Focus Group Discussion were employed to collect the qualitative data. The findings showed that the multi-stakeholder interactions and networks in the GIS were limited. Also, farmers, consumers, processors, traders, and input suppliers, in particular, had not yet been empowered to articulate their demands regarding grape innovations. Moreover, the findings revealed that a lack of innovation platforms (x ̅ = 2.9), communication barriers (x ̅ = 2.4), insufficient financial resources (x ̅ = 2.4), and a lack of time (x ̅ = 2) were among the challenges scored high average mean to imply that they were seriously impeding interaction between stakeholders in the GIS. This study recommends that strong links be strengthened among all key stakeholders in the GIS, as they rely on one another to function and achieve the goals of improving grape production. Finally, the study encourages the Tanzanian government to adopt various financial resource mobilization strategies in order to collect money for establishing the innovation platforms and solve other obstacles were identified to have been inhibiting interactions among stakeholders.