Basket of Options
Communities select from a menu of crops, livestock, and practices suited to their zone — not a single imposed technology.
RIPAT Projects & Technology Adoption
How RIPAT closes the gap between agricultural research and farmer adoption — through participatory projects built on real community choice.
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The Challenge
Why Are Improved Technologies Not Adopted by Farmers?
Researchers develop improved seeds, better practices, and new breeds — yet adoption rates among smallholders often remain stubbornly low. RIPAT projects were designed specifically to answer this question in the field.
The Technology Adoption Gap
Conventional extension often promotes a single “best” technology from research stations to farmers — without enough participation, context, or follow-up. Farmers may see demonstrations but lack ownership, financing, or options suited to their agro-ecological zone.
Common barriers include:
- Top-down packages that ignore local farming systems
- Weak link between research outputs and village realities
- Limited farmer choice — “one size fits all” messaging
- Short project cycles without group learning or peer support
- Dependency on free inputs instead of self-reliance
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Why Are Improved Technologies Not Adopted by Farmers?
RIPAT's basket-of-options model ensures farmers genuinely choose technologies that fit their specific needs, resources, and agro-ecological context. One size does not fit all.
See Basket of OptionsThe RIPAT Response
Projects Built on Participation & Choice
Farmer Field Schools
Hands-on demonstrations where farmers learn, compare, and decide what to adopt on their own farms.
Group-Based Learning
35-member groups with peer exchange, VSLA savings, and help-to-self-help spread adoption beyond demo plots.
Government Partnership
Formal MoU with local government embeds RIPAT in extension systems for sustainability after projects end.
In the Field
RIPAT Projects Across Tanzania
RIPAT was developed among small-scale farmers in Northern Tanzania by RECODA under the Rockwool Foundation partnership — and has since expanded to multiple regions.
Arumeru & Karatu Districts
Documented increases in productivity, farmer innovation, and ownership — including endorsements from regional leadership and researchers.
Multi-Region Expansion
Active work across Arusha, Karatu, Singida, Dodoma, Morogoro, Kilimanjaro, Kigoma, Lindi and beyond — adapting the basket to each context.
Technology Options in Practice
Improved banana varieties, OFSP, cassava, sunflower, conservation agriculture, dairy goats, local chicken improvement, and more — chosen by communities.
VSLA & Self-Reliance
Financial inclusion and sister groups help farmers fund expansion and support three others through the help-to-self-help philosophy.
Evidence
Research Backs the Approach
Peer-reviewed studies document RIPAT's impact on incomes, child health, nutrition, and technology adoption compared to conventional approaches.
Start a RIPAT Project in Your Area
Contact RECODA for training, partnership, or guidance on implementing the RIPAT approach in your community.