Lupembe, Gervas Alfred2024-04-162024-04-162017APAhttps://scholar.mzumbe.ac.tz/handle/123456789/623A dissertation submitted to Institute of Development Studies in partial fulfillment of the requirements for award of the Degree of Master of Science in Development Policy (Msc. DP) of Mzumbe UniversityFarmers network (FN) have come to be seen as the basic fundamental solution and answers to income poverty reduction and food security in small - scale farmers in rural areas. On the basis of the available information on contribution of farmers' network in income poverty reduction, this dissertation presents the analysis of the extent to which farmers network groups alleviate income poverty to small- scale farmers who are poor in the wards and villages in Ludewa district. In this study, an exploratory research design was adopted, involving the administration of structured and unstructured interview tools for collecting data. A representative sample of 88 respondents were drawn from a sample frame of six selected villages. Purposive sampling was used to select FNs officials, leaders, and extension officers, while simple random sampling was used to select wards and villages. Data collected were statically analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) computer program version 6. Descriptive statistics such as mean, frequencies, and percentage were computed and research question was investigated. The findings have revealed that, farmer's network plays a significant role towards income poverty reduction in rural areas for 80%, helps in providing employment to many Tanzanians residing in countryside areas, improves living standards and improves income of the rural farmers. The study recommends that there is a need for the government through the ministry of agriculture, livestock and fisheries to formulate policies that will be favorable to rural farmers to enable them improve productivity and make sure that; the main option towards reducing income poverty to the rural farmer's network are successfully. Also further studies are proposed to acknowledge and encourage effort made by farmers in Tanzania. Agricultural policies should also focus on developing the agricultural sector by providing access to capital, market farm implements, extension services and markets.en-USpovertyfarmersdevelopmentpoverty reductionagricultureThesis