South African Journal of Agricultural Extension, pp. 248-255
Conventional extension system in Tanzania has recorded limited success in improving
agricultural productivity including maize production in the country. The Agricultural
Innovation System (AIS) approach in extension service delivery deemed desirable in
addressing the challenge. However little is known about the factors influencing delivery of
extension service by using AIS. A study was conducted in Morogoro and Dodoma Regions to
investigate the identified gap. A cross sectional research design was used to collect data from
345 respondents randomly selected from a population of various actors involved in the maize
value chain. Key informant interviews and Focus group discussions were also used in data
collection. Observations were used to supplement the collected information. The collected
quantitative data were analyzed by using the Statistical Package for Social Science computer
program while content analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data. The study findings
show that factors influencing performance of extension service delivery include Extension
staffs’ inadequate knowledge and skills on providing advice by using Agricultural Innovation
System. Others were availability, affordability, efficiency, relevance and costs of extension
service delivery. Based on the study findings it is concluded that despite the relevance of AIS
over conventional extension system, there are a number of factors influencing delivery of
extension service using AIS that might in turn bring effect on maize production the study
areas. It is therefore recommended that negative factors should be addressed for effective
performance of the system to improve maize production.