The relationships of frame conditions to the sustainable transformation of agriculture and the adoption of new technologies are discussed in this paper. Emphasis is given to identifying the place for a successful agricultural extension in this regard. Persistent rural poverty, chronic undernourishment, low agricultural productivity, and uncertainties surrounding the future impacts of climate change on food production are the challenges faced by the Tanzanian government. The objective of this research is to assess why different political actions and technological innovations have only had limited impacts on the planned transformation of Tanzanian agriculture. The main finding in relation to achieving the overall aim of the sustainable transformation of Tanzanian agriculture is the need to involve farmers and their organizations in policy formulation and implementation. As well, trust needs to be restored in public institutions and the many, changing initiatives put in place by the government and donors since independence. Predictability in relation to stable, conducive frame conditions and risk-cutting measures are important factors in both female and male farmers’ willingness to adopt new technologies. These factors also affect the ability of extension services to contribute to sustainable transformation by providing advice relevant to various local conditions and the impacts of climate change.