Abstract

This paper delves into the global drive to promote agroecological practices, which have been widely acknowledged for their diverse economic, social, and environmental benefits. Yet, a critical gap persists in our understanding on the impact of these practices on food availability from the perspective of farmers. Our study focuses on farmers' perceptions regarding the role of agroecological practices in enhancing food availability within Singida Rural District in Tanzania. To explore this understudied terrain, we conducted a comprehensive questionnaire survey involving 160 farming households drawn randomly from four villages. Employing a Likert scale methodology, we meticulously assessed farmers' perspectives on the implementation of various agroecological practices. Strikingly, a significant majority (64%) of respondents unequivocally recognized the pivotal contribution of agroecological practices to enhance household food availability. Nonetheless, a nuanced dichotomy emerged, nearly half of the participants (53%) expressed reservations about the perceived ease of integrating agroecological practices. This hesitancy was attributed to the challenges and labor-intensive nature associated with implementation of certain agroecology techniques. Encouragingly, our findings highlight the potential of collective efforts in mitigating labor-related concerns. In light of these insights, we advocate for targeted interventions by local government entities and agroecology stakeholders; by facilitating farmers' access to essential knowledge, skills, and resources, we can catalyze the transformative journey toward agroecology. This shift holds the promise of fostering a more sustainable food system that resonates with the needs of both present and future generations.

Key words: Agroecological practices, food availability, farmers' perception, economic benefits, social benefits, environmental benefits.