A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE IN AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION AND EXTENSION OF SOKOINE UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE. MOROGORO, TANZANIAThe aim of the study was to understand contemporary challenges facing extension services at the District level. The study identified level of participation of agriculture stakeholders in the process of extension services delivery, accountability process in the delivery of extension services, resource capacity of the district to deliver services and farmer views on performance of extension service in Hai District. The researcher used qualitative and quantitative methods to study a decentralized public extension organization. Semi-structured interviews supported with document reviews and observations were used for the data collection. District extension system has identified challenges which include low level of participation of stakeholders in the design and implementation of policy, deficit and delays of extension funds, shortage of human resources, low sense of accountability and as a result farmers’ opinions have shown unsatisfactory performance of extension. District Government has to focus on the above challenges so as to improve the performance of extension. Increased involvement of private extension providers, diversification of funding sources and timely supply of funds to the district, deployment of Agricultural Officers and Livestock Officers to the village level, and strengthening accountability system will overcome the challenges.