Abstract

A client oriented groundnut research was carried out in Tabora, Tanzania. Objectives were to solicit farmers’ preferences on groundnut production and evaluate groundnut varieties under varying environments and conditions. Semi structured questionnaires and focus groups were used to solicit farmers’ opinions. On-station and on-farm trials were conducted based on recommendations suggested by farmers. On-station trial had 3 replications with 5 plots each laid in a randomized complete block design. Plot size was 25 m². The net harvested area was 15 m². The spacing used was 0.9 × 0.15 m. On-farm trials involved 9 farmers each planting 5 varieties. Varieties used were Johari, Pendo, Nyota, Sawia and farmer. SPSS and Genstat computer software were used to analyse survey and field trials data, respectively. Drought and low yielding varieties were observed as the most serious problems in the area. Pendo and Johari varieties constantly out yielded other varieties and ranked first and second, respectively, under research and farmers managements. Genotypes sum of squares accounted for 54.93% of the variability. This study also revealed that, under some conditions, researchers and farmers’ variety selection criteria coincided. Based on the information generated by this study,Pendo and Johari were recommended.

Key words: Arachis hypogea, client oriented research, groundnuts, stability, Tanzania.