Smallholder farmers are asking for support to help them increase crop yield, enhanced agricultural knowledge and access to markets.

A poll conducted by Farm Radio International where 8, 891 farmers in Tanzania (nationwide) participated showed that more than half of the farmers said they have no access to good and reliable markets for their harvest.

Presenting the results recently at an event in Dar es Salaam, under the banner of 'Do Agric, It Pays' Farm Radio International Executive Director Kelvin Perkins said the poll also showed that farmers have view and opinions on what will help them but they are rarely not given the opportunity to voice them.

Mr Perkins said the poll, which was conducted over a two-week period and broadcast by farmer radio stations, showed that only 45 per cent of farmers felt that agricultural strategies have helped them to increase crop yields in the past two years.

65 per cent of farmers do not feel that they have access to good markets for their harvested crops, while 64 per cent of farmers do not think that Tanzania has done enough to support smallholder farmers' access to good markets.

As 44 per cent of farmers want the government to provide them with more knowledge on markets, 31 per cent want a review of taxes on crops and 70 per cent agree that access to reliable markets would increase their crop yields in two years.

"Smallholders farmers represent about 75 per cent of Tanzania's agricultural production and the widespread participation in the poll is a clear indication that farmers want to be heard but don't have an instrument to voice their views and opinions," he noted.

Some of the questions asked in the farmers polls evolve around 'getting their crops to markets and what would be most helpful in getting reliable markets for crops.

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and Cooperatives, Engineer Christopher Chiza, said the polls accord the government an opportunity to hear farmers' views and opinions on agricultural practices.

"We do recognise the sector as the cornerstone of our economy, which provides income to about 75 per cent of the population; it is only fair if we would listen to what the farmers have to say on improving the sectors," he explained.

The survey was conducted by Farm Radio International, an international radio service that partners with local stations through the use of radio talk shows and mobile phones.

One Africa Director Dr Sipho Moyo said agriculture was the only sector that will reduce poverty levels in Africa, stressing that sustainable economic growth depends on transforming the sector.

Do Agric, It Pays is a continent-wide, grassroots campaign calling on African Heads of State to commit to reform and increase support to agriculture when they meet at the African Union (AU) Summit later this month.

The campaign was launched to mark the AU's Year of Agriculture and Food Security and is supported by ONE, the Agriculture Non-State Actors Forum (ANSAF), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, as well as a number of celebrated Tanzanian artistes, including A.Y. and Diamond Platinumz.

News Source: http://allafrica.com/stories/201406160477.html