Department of Agricultural Extension and Community Development

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Adoption drivers of improved Open-Pollinated (OPVs) maize varieties by smallholder farmers in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa
(MDPI, 2021-11) Sigigaba, Masithembe; Mdoda, Lelethu; Mditshwa, Asanda
This study assesses the determinants of adoption drivers of improved open-pollinated (OPVs) maize varieties by smallholder farmers in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Cross- sectional data of multi-stage random sampling was used to randomly select 150 smallholder farmers in the province. Data collection was conducted through a well-structured questionnaire administered to 150 smallholder farmers. Descriptive statistics and a logistic regression model were used for the analyses. The inferential results reveal that the majority of farmers in the study area were females (70%) with an average age of 45 years and had six people in the households. Smallholder maize farmers spent an average of 10 years in school. The results show that smallholder maize farmers had a farm size of 3 ha and a household income of R 3565.00, which contributes highly to household and farm operations. Farmers had access to extension services and were members of farm organizations. The results show that hybrid is the most used maize variety rather than OPVs. The main reason, among other things, for the poor use and adoption of OPVs is the lack of knowledge about the seeds. The results drawn from the estimations show that socio-economic and institutional factors influenced the adoption of OPVs by farmers in the study area. Therefore, the study recommends strengthening the existing extension services to highlight the benefits of OPVs through training and farmers’ information days.
Adoption of rainwater harvesting technologies 'by farmers in Tanzania. with particular reference to the western pare lowlands
(1999) Senkondo, E.M.M.; Lazaro, E.A.; Kajiru, G.J.
Adoption of technology is an important factor in economic development. Successful introduction of technologies in the developing countries requires an understanding of the priorities and concerns of the smallholder farmers at the grassroots. This paper presents experiences of adoption studies in the Western Pare Lowlands, identifying the factors affecting adoption, constraints to adoption and methodological problems in studying adoption of RWH technologies. A survey approach was the main method used to collect the data from a sample of 86 farmers. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics and estimation of empirical model to determine the factors affecting adoption of RWH technologies. The empirical model used was logit regression, Important factors affecting the adoption of RWH were identified as number of plots owned by farmers and the sex of the head of household. Constraints in the adoption of RWH technologies were noted including constraints facing those who are already using the RWH technologies. Problems facing the users include difficulties with water distribution. Two important recommendations are made: First because adoption of technologies by farmers takes time, there is a need for collecting a series of data (separated in time) about adoption rather than depending on single season static data. The models used in evaluating adoption should also consider the time element, Secondly, since the main constraints to adoption is lack of technical knowledge, it is recommended that training of extension workers in RWH techniques and including RWH in the district extension package will reduce the problem of availability of technical knowledge to farmers .
The comparative role of independent and intervening variables on influencing the adoption of nitrogen fertilization among maize growers in the Njombe District.
(AJOL, 2016) Msuya, C. P.
Various practices including Nitrogen fertilization have been recommended in the Njombe District to maintain its status as one of the districts that is famous in maize production in Tanzania. Despite the recommendation the level of adoption is not convincing that forced this study to investigate variables that are most important in determining the adoption behaviour. A cross sectional research design was used to collect data from 113 respondents selected from four villages namely, Ulembwe, Igagala, Kibena and Uwemba. The statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) was used for data analysis. The findings reveal that the intervening variables (like efficiency misperception (EM), need tension (NT), prominence and knowledge) played a great role in determining the adoption behaviour compared to independent variables (like age, sex, level of education, farm size and area under maize production). It is therefore recommended that more emphasis should be placed in addressing intervening variables in order to enhance adoption in the study area.
Determinants of adopting imazapyr-resistant maize for Striga control in Western Kenya: a double-hurdle approach
(Academic Journals, 2011-09) Mignouna, D. B; Manyong, V. M; Mutabazi, K. D. S; Senkondo, E. M
Discussions and debates have been on going about Striga, a major constraint to increasing maize production and food security in western Kenya. To inform these debates this paper applies econometrics to farm survey data in order to estimate and determine the factors which drive farmers’ decision to adopt imazapyr-resistant maize (IRM), a novel technology for Striga control. The study uses data from a multistage, random sample of 600 households of which, 169 were IRM adopters and 431 were non-adopters. This paper tests the hypothesis that the factors affecting farmers’ decision to adopt IRM are not necessarily the same as those affecting their extent of adoption. Results from the double- hurdle model indicates that age of the household head, household size, membership to social group, access to extension services and perception towards IRM for Striga control were found to influence the decision to adopt IRM. And, household size, gap between maize production and consumption per capita, access to extension services and perception towards IRM for Striga control influenced the extent the farmer is willing to adopt. The paper concludes with policy implications aimed at renewing the focus on IRM transfer in western Kenya and other areas with similar conditions
Determinants of the adoption of charco dam rainwater harvesting technology by pastoralists in semi-arid areas of Monduli district in Tanzania
(East African Journal of Science, Technology and Innovation, 2023-09-29) Mfinanga, Fredrick; Msuya, Catherine; Madaha, Rasel Mpuya
The use of water harvesting ponds in Tanzania known as charco dams in watering livestock have been developed to enhance livestock production in semi-arid areas. However, the adoption of charco dam has been very low. This paper examined the determinants of the adoption of charco dam by pastoralists in semi-arid areas of Monduli District in Tanzania. The study used a cross-sectional research design where data were collected at a single point in time. Quantitative data were collected by using pre-tested structured questionnaire from 367 respondents who were randomly selected from seven villages, namely Moita Kipok, Moita Kilorit, Kilimatinde, Moita Bwawani, Makuyuni, Mbuyuni and Naiti in Monduli District. The collected data was entered into SPSS.20 for analysis. Data was analysed using frequency, percentages, and a binary logistic regression model. The study results show that the intervening factors (perceived advantages and disadvantages of charco dam) have a slightly high influence on the adoption of charco dam with predictive power R2 ranging from 29.5 to 44.5 per cent as compared to independent variables with predictive power R2 ranging from 27 to 37 per cent at a 5 per cent level of significance. Furthermore, the study results indicate that the independent variables namely socio-economic factors specifically age (p=0.000), household size (p=0.002), off-farm income (p=0.025), livestock keeping experience (0.001), herd size (0.002) and institutional factors including access to extension services (p=0.030) and subsidies (p=0.005) have an influence on the adoption of charco dam. This study recommends policymakers to devote more weight to perceived advantages and disadvantages of charco dam technology while constructing charco dam rainwater harvesting projects in order to influence pastoralists to accept the technology and increase water access for livestock in semi-arid areas.
Factors influencing the adoption of improved groundnut cultivars amongst smallholder farmers in Singida Tanzania
(AJOL, 2023) Humphrey, S. C.; Martin, R.; Ntumva, M.
Groundnut is amongst the global important food and cash crops; irrespective of its importance, studies report its low adoption. Amongst the reported adoption factors were age, gender, education, group membership and seed availability. Nevertheless, there is insufficient documentation on the influence of these factors on the adoption of groundnut amongst beneficiaries of Singida Rural Farmer Research Networks (FRNs). Innovation systems, networks and Roger’s theories of diffusion of innovations guided this study to establish the determinants of the adoption of improved groundnut cultivars amongst these target groups. Specifically, the study (1) assessed the adoption of improved groundnuts in relation to farmers’ socio-economic characteristics; (2) determined the factors that influenced the adoption of improved groundnuts and (3) examined farmers’ adoption perception towards access to services, technological characteristics and the institutional environment. Cross-sectional design and mixed research methods were used. The socioeconomic characteristics of farmers were compared using Chi-square test cross-tabulations. The binary logistic regression model was used to determine factors influencing the adoption of improved groundnut cultivars. A Likert scale was used to assess the farmers’ perceptions towards the adoption of improved groundnut cultivars in relation to access to services, technological characteristics and the institutional environment. Findings show that socioeconomic characteristics such as age, sex, marital status, education level and income had no significant influence on the adoption of improved groundnuts. The adoption of improved groundnuts was significantly influenced by three factors: FRN group membership, seed accessibility and technological characteristics which include adaptive to agroecological zones, high yields, early maturity, drought tolerance, pests and disease resistance. The majority of farmers had a positive perception towards access to services, technological characteristics and the institutional environment for the adoption of improved groundnut cultivars. In this regard, sensitization for more farmers to join groups and enhancement of timely seed availability and accessibility of improved groundnut cultivars are recommended.
Factors influencing the use of certain agricultural extension teaching methods for increased adoption of innovations in Mvomero and Morogoro districts
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2010) Kobero, Hellen
Specifically, the objectives of the study were to identify the commonly used extension-teaching methods by ALEOs, to examine criteria that ALEOs used to select certain extension-teaching methods, and to assess factors that hindered ALEOs to select certain extension methods. The population included all ALEOs working in the selected wards of Morogoro and Mvomero districts and smallholder farmers. Total numbers of respondents were 50 ALEOs, 25 from Mvomero and 25 from Morogoro District selected purposively, and 100 farmers, where 50 were from Mvomero and 50 from Morogoro District selected using table of random numbers. Data were collected using personal interviews, non–participant observation, and focus group discussions. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, and cross tabulations were used to explain and compare field information. Combination of individual and group agricultural extension teaching methods was commonly used to deliver agricultural information to farmers. The commonly used methods included discussion meetings, method demonstration and result demonstrations. ALEO considered availability of funds from coordinating institution, available time for farmers to participate and cultural context when selecting extension teaching methods. Farmers suggested considering easiness for themselves to understand, cost of preparation and delivery, time spent when attending extension sessions, and farmer participation. The study found that unavailability of teaching media, lack of funds and poor working environment hindered ALEOs from selecting some agricultural extension teaching methods. This study recommends that ALEOs should incorporate various agricultural extension teaching methods, and use methodologies that increase the interactive participation of smallholder farmers. However, it is imperative that individual countries make situational analyses of the social, political, technical, economic and cultural conditions prevalent in their areas before adopting any extension teaching method.
Factors that affect adoption of Hybrid Maize in Mwanga District: implications for continuing education
(Institute of Continuing Education, 2005-01) Msuya_Bengesi, C. P.
This study investigated factors that influence the adoption of hybrid maize in Mwanga district and the implications for continuing education. Data for the study was collected from ninety randomly selected farmers in two villages. Field observation was also used for data collection. The data was analyzed using the Statistical package for Social Sciences (SPSS), employing cross tabs and chi square techniques. Findings show that adoption was significantly associated with gender, income, farm size, and cost of inputs and complexity of growing hybrid maize. In addition factors such as the presence of coffee, into-cropping system and the dehaling quality of hybrid maize also affected the adoption rate. Based on the findings training is still required to ensure that farmers adopt the technology correctly, which includes buying fresh supplies of hybrid maize seed every season. It is also recommended that farmers should find alternative arable areas in the lowland areas of Mwanga district to cultivate more maize so as to offset food shortages. At the policy level, reintroducing subsidies and is recommended as an option that should be considered.
Factors that affect the adoption of improved maize varieties by smallholder farmers in Central Oromia, Ethiopia.
(Iiste, 2015) Teferi, Abadi; Philip, Damas; Jaleta, Moti
This study aims at identifying factors which affect the adoption of improved maize varieties in three woredas in Central Oromia, Ethiopia. The study utilized cross-sectional farm household level data collected by CIMMYT from 300 randomly selected sample households in 2012/13. Both descriptive and econometric methods have been used to analyze the data. The descriptive statistics were utilized to compare adopters and non-adopters. The logit model was employed to assess the adoption determinants.The descriptive analyses results show the existence of significant mean and proportion difference between adopters and non-adopters in terms of farmer characteristics. Adoption of the improved maize varieties among households was found to be positively influenced by adult-literacy, family size, livestock wealth, access to output market and credit access for the new varieties. On the other hand, farmer associations, distance to main markets and fertilizer credit negatively influenced adoption. Thus, the finding of this study revealed that educating farmers, strengthening extension services, improving farmer associations and improving market opportunities are some of the measures that need to be taken to enhance adoption of improved maize varieties by farmers.

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