What Great People Say ABOUT RIPAT

WHAT GREAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT RIPAT

In Arumeru and Karatu districts I witnessed farmers using the RIPAT approach to substantially increase their productivity and incomes in banana production; to improve their levels of innovation, participation, and ownership of their projects; and hence to transform their lives. The approach also addressed the dependency syndrome of the farmers and reinforced their application of the most cherished principle of self-reliance in their own development.’ The Hon. IsidoreLekaShirima, the former Regional Commissioner of Arusha, Tanzania)

The RIPAT Manual is a must read for extension services providers as it provides a detailed step-by-step guide to dissemination of agricultural technologies to small scale farmers and how to scale-out beyond the groups trained. It clearly indicates the roles of various players and giving out the DOs and DON’Ts. The group approach creates cohesion and builds confidence amongst poor resource farmers and brings in the “YES WE CAN” spirit that reduces dependence on free hands outs. The introduction of the “basket of technology options” provides farmers with a wide choice of technologies enabling each farmer to select one or more intervention to adopt according to his /her like and availability of own resources. This enables all farmers in the group to participate and brings about sustainability.’ By Dr. Mary Shetto, MAFSC – SAGCOT coordinator