Theses and Dissertations Collection

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Farmers adoption of improved bean varieties in Mbeya Rural District, Tanzania: social consequence and financial
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2018) Kimbi, Thedy Gerald
Many farmers in developing countries are still highly reluctant in adopting new improved technologies. Mbeya region being one among the high producers of common beans in Tanzania, beans farmers adoption rates of improved varieties as one of the necessary technologies in production is still low. This study aimed at determining the adoption rate and assessing the profitability of the improved bean seeds used by farmers in Mbeya rural district. Specifically, the study intended to determine the adoption rate of beans fanners. its determinants and compare the profitability between adopters and non-adopters. A multistage sampling technique was used to obtain the respondents employed in the study. Data was collected from a random sample of 210 farmers from three villages in Mbeya rural district through structured questionnaires and key informant interviews. The results suggest a low rate of adoption that accounted for 31% of all the respondents. The Heckman model was used to identify factors affecting the adoption decision and intensity whereby farm size, seed price, education, extension services and off-farm income were the significant factors that influenced the adoption decision and intensity. The Gross margin analysis was used to compare the profit margins of adopters and non-adopters and it was observed that adopters obtained higher profit margins and costs compared to the non-adopters. From the study it is concluded that adoption of improved bean varieties in Mbeya rural district is still low attributed by the discussed socio-economic factors. Therefore, for any change in the bean sub-sector to be realized, careful consideration should be made in terms of improving rural education, extension services and accessibility to agricultural inputs provided that careful analysis will be done to ensure that benefits accrued will warrant the efforts.
An analysis of market information services efficacy in maize production and marketing sub-sector: the case of Kongwa district, Dodoma region.
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2007) Kisenge, Kajiru
The study assessed the relevance of the current agricultural market information available to farmers for purpose of increasing their efficiency and effectiveness in agricultural commodity market exchange, and establishes farmers’ willingness and ability to access better information from a mix of alternative sources. Specifically the study objectives were: (i) to asses the type of market information needed by farmers (ii) to identify sources of information used by farmers, (iii) to asses the type and frequency of delivering the preferred market information, (iv) to establish farmer’s willingness to pay for market information. A simple random sampling technique was employed to select 280 farmers. Qualitative analyses performed included computation of frequencies and cross tabulation. Quantitative analyses involved logistic regression. The study found that, 90.4% of households have access to information on where to sell and market selling prices than other types of information such as weather, credit, sources of inputs, and sources of agricultural equipment's. Friends and neighbors, radio, local financial institutions were found to be the most important sources of information for farmers. Despite the fact that farmers have full knowledge of prices, the majority of farmers 91.5%, sell their maize immediately after harvestings when prices are lowest. Regression results show that education of the respondent and farm size owned by the respondents had significant and positive influence on Willingness-to-Pay (p< 0.01) for information. While age and amount of money the farmer is willing to pay has a negative sign and insignificant in its relationship with Willingness-to-Pay for market information. Based on the study findings, it is recommended that market information access will be improved by localization of market information, improving means of delivering market information, promoting market information needs and improving institutional and organizational arrangements.
Farmers’ choices for sustainable intensification technologies in Kilosa district, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2017) Mugula, Joseph Jovin
The aim of this study was to assess farmers' choices to the adoption of sustainable agriculture practices (SAPs). It specifically aimed at determining the level of adoption profit margin between SAPs adopters and non-adopters and the influence of socio- economic and institution factors to the adoption of sustainable agriculture practices. A cross-sectional research design was used involving 550 smallholders maize fanners. The secondary data collected was used to undertake and enrich the study. Descriptive statistics was used to examine the adoption rale of SAPs among smallholders' farmers in Kilosa District. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the socio- economic and institutional factors affecting the decision of a farmer to adopt SAPs. Findings indicated that there was a low rate of sustainable agriculture practices adoption (27%) among smallholders farmers in Kilosa district despite the available policies to encourage the use of SAPs. Moreover, profit margin indicated that there was a significant difference between the adopters and non-adopters of SAPs with respect to maize production regarding the mean yield and revenue obtained from the field Education, level of income of farmers, farm size, family size, and extension service were socio-economic and institutional factors that significantly (p<0.05) affected farmers' choice to adopt SAPs. Generally, findings from the study suggested that policy makers at Kilosa District should address the factors that significantly influence the adoption of SAPs and to encourage the delivery of extension services by private agents. This might increase the adoption rate of SAPs among reluctant smallholder farmers for the consistent dissemination of S/\Ps as a way forward towards the sustainable improvement of food security and livelihoods of agriculture stakeholders.
Farm size and production efficiency: evidence from maize production in Babati district
(Sokine University of Agriculture, 2012) Baha, Michael Raphael
A decrease in maize yield for producers in Babati District provoked the present study on farm size and production efficiency. The overall image that exists in the literature, offers three kinds of relationships between these variables an inverse, a reverse and both inverse and reverse. Using a cross sectional data obtained through a multistage sampling technique the relationship was estimated. Further the production efficiency and its determinants among maize crop producers in the district were examined. A purposive sampling technique was used to select four wards under maize production with a simple random sampling used to select six villages out of the four wards. Stratified sampling was to select 122 farmers who cultivated maize in the study area. Stochastic frontier model determined the relationship proposed by this study. The mean technical efficiency was 62.3% suggesting that 37.7% of the inefficiency in maize production in study area results from combination of both technical and allocative inefficiency. Besides, study findings revealed farm size as an important factor in increasing maize production efficiency in Babati district. This study concludes that, there is room for increasing efficiency by increasing farm size. The Lack of formal education, number of plots owned by a farmer, frequency of contacts with extension officers, use of insect sides, and the use of hand hoes or otherwise was also found to have a negative sign and therefore increase maize production efficiency. In association with the solutions to problems facing farmers, this study recommends intensified training to farmers to increase efficiency and creation of environment for increasing farm plot size using the current level of inputs to enhance agricultural transformation which will include an integrated soil fertility alternative.
Financial feasibility of irrigated farming: a case study of tube-well irrigation in Mombasa district
(University of Dar es salaam, 1978) Thiongo,Michael Nooroge
Where as some studies have evaluated large-scale irrigation schemes in Kenya,little economic research has been done The decision by the Kenya on the Minor Irrigation projects. The decision by the Kenya Government to increase emphasis on development of Minor Irrigation Schemes necessitates studies on these particularly from the financial and economic stand point. Tube-wells are part of the minor irrigation development programme in Coast Province which is characterized by a general shortage of big rivers and streams. This shortage of surface water in the Province in particular and generally in there public had been released even during the colonial days. Government efforts have been carried out mainly by construction of tube-wells, which progressed steadily so that by the early 1970s over 8O tube-wells were being bored annually by the Kenya Government. The substantial costs involved in this tube-well development were justified by the fact that the projects were undertaken by the Government or the Municipality for community water development. As such boring of tube-wells was restricted to the community centres only. Unfortunately most of these tube-wells especially those in Coast Province were abandoned when no personnel was available to maintain them. A survey of the area between Gazi and Mtwapa in Coast Province in 1969 to study the distribution of tube-wells, their yields,and water quality rated this as “a good area of ground water resources". It was recommended in this report that same selected tube-wells which were yielding considerable quantities of good quality water should be rehabilitated and fitted with powered pumps for the purpose of irrigation end domestic water supply. This recommendation was not implemented because information was lacking concerning their financial viability as irrigation projects. This thesis is therefore concerned with evaluation and appraisal of tube-well irrigation projects in Mombasa District to establish their financial worth Mombasa District was selected for the study on account of the concentration of tube-wells. The focus of the thesis involved collection of primary data from a sample of I0 farms using each diesel and electric pumps. Irrigated farming is capital and labour incensive. High initial investment capital is required to start-off a tube-well irrigation project. Because of the high costs involved in supplying irrigation water, only crops with high gross margins per hectare can be grown profitably. The study revealed that tube-well irrigated farming based on high-value horticultural crops can be a highly profitable venture if properly designed and planned Knowledge of the important factors affecting returns is invaluable. A high degree of managerial ability.innovativeness and first-hand market intelligence and knowledge irrigation techniques is in dispensable for successful irrigation. In spite of the high investment and running costs involved in tube-wells irrigation projects,they are financially viable and yield high rates of return to investment and internal rates of return.
Seed systems and market for quality declared seeds of OPV maize and bean in Kongwa and Siha districts
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2014) Mghweno, Owen Nelson
Maize and beans are among the major staple food crops in Tanzania. However, among other things, production of both crops has been limited by low use of quality seeds. As part of its efforts, the government of Tanzania adopted Quality Declared Seeds (QDS) production system in 2000 to promote quality seeds use. The general objective of the study was to generate evidences that may contribute towards production and distribution of Quality Declared Maize and beans Seeds in Kongwa and Siha Districts respectively. Specifically, the study determined shares of seeds from different sources using descriptive analysis; identified factors influencing QDS purchase decision using binary logit regression and estimated household QDS demand using Cobb Douglass utility model. It involved sample of 120 randomly selected producers of each crop. Questionnaire, focus group discussion and key informant interview were used to collect data from farmers, QDS producers, input suppliers, TOSC1, ASA and DALDO offices. The study has revealed that maize production constituted of seeds obtained from own-saving (70%), QDS (15%), subsidized seeds (9%), other farmers (6%), input suppliers (0.1%) and seed kit programmes (0.1%). Beans production constituted seed obtained from own-saving (52%), market centers (36%), other farmers (10%) and nearby shops (3%). Furthermore, membership associations; access to subsidized seeds; demand for more varieties and higher income from agriculture increased the probability of farmers to purchase QDS while high use of own-saved seeds and seed exchange between farmers diminished purchase of QDS. Furthermore, the study has revealed that QDS demand was higher for HH with higher seed expenditure; previous use of QDS and access to market with higher prices of produce. This study recommends improving local seed systems; building capacity of farmers to purchase QDS, review of QDS legal market; improving agricultural market information system and improving preferred local varieties for QDS production.
A comparative analysis of business models of two-wheel tractors in Babati district, Manyara region, Tanzania.
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2017) Mbesa, Baraka
The study was conducted in Babati district in Manyara Region to sight see the viable business model for supplying two-wheel tractors to the farmers whether individual or formal group of farmers. In this study, the influence of socio-economic factors and institution factors in adopting and purchasing two-wheel tractors were identified. The methodology involved a cross-sectional research design with sample size of 88 farmers from both owners and non-owners. Purposive sampling technique systematic sampling was employed to select key informants. The main methods of data collection used were structured questionnaires and interview. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were undertaken for qualitative and quantitative data analysis using Statistical Package for Social Sciences. For the owners of Two- Wheels Tractors (2WTs), 63.6% were in age category of 31-70. 90.9% were male and more than 90% with household members less to 10,68.2% have more than 16 acres of land size cultivated. Binary logistic regression was: Land size was statistically significant and is positively related to the ownership and purchasing of 2WTs at 1%, age of the farmer is statistically significant and is positively at 5% while household size was negative statistically significant at 5%. From cost-benefit analysis findings using CBA at 23% discount rate, individual business model had B/C ratio of 2.59 while for group business model had B/C ratio of 1.47, indicating that individual business model is viable. The study recommends that incentives for agriculture investors that include zero-rated duty on farm inputs including fertilizer. seeds, tractors and zero rated VAT on agricultural exports to be encouraged.
REMIJO JOHN
(sokoine UNiversity of Agriculture, 2011) MPAGAMA, Remijo John
The objective of this study was to analyze farmers’ perception on cotton production in the Eastern Cotton Growing Area. Specifically, the study aimed to (i) study the status of cotton production, (ii) establish farmers’ perception on cotton production, (iii) establish the relationship between farmers’ perception on cotton production, farm resources and household characteristics and (iv) determine the needed changes in institutional support to revive cotton production in ECGA. A cross section survey of 160 farmers from Morogoro Rural and Kilosa districts using structured questionnaire was done. Secondary data were collected from various sources. Descriptive analyses were used to describe the respondents’ characteristics. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to establish perception index. Then, perception index was used in probit regression as dependent variable to determine the intensity of relationship between farmers’ perception, farm resources, and household characteristics. Results show that cotton production decreased from 15 734kg in 2007 to 13 156kg in 2009 in Morogoro district and 21 895 kg to 6 650 kg in Kilosa district in the same years. Furthermore, 92.5% and 93.8% of respondents in Morogoro and Kilosa districts respectively perceived that cotton production has decreased. Also, 10.3% of land was allocated for cotton, 25.2% for maize, and 17.4% was allocated for paddy. On establishing farmers’ perception on causes of low cotton production; low selling price, unreliable market, lack of credit, lack of proper private sector setup and little government involvement were found to be significant at 0.00 level. In addition, accessibility to extension services, insecticides use and gender were found to have significant influence on perception of farmers in both districts at P<0.01 and P<0.05 levels. Moreover, it has been found that there are significant differences in perception between the two settings. The study found that there were problems hindering cotton production in the study area. This included lack of reliable market, lack of processing machines, lack of credit and inadequate extension services. This can be solved by improving institutional support in the cotton sub-sector.
Growing rice under stressed water availability: an economic evaluation of irrigation technologies in Kilombero sub-basin
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2024) Komba, Martin Emmanuel
Growing rice in Tanzania’s major basins is threatened by climate change impacts. It is projected that rice yield will fall by 7.6% in these major basins in aggregate. Climate change impacts in Tanzania’s major basins including Kilombero sub-basin (KSB) which is the biggest feeder of Rufiji basin is attributed to increasing temperature which accelerates surface evaporation. There is also increased water demand due expanding agriculture, influx of livestock and water for hydropower generation. Climate change impacts and increasing water demand in the sub-basin have called for planned and sustainable use of water. One of the implemented techniques is the new adaptive rice growing technologies. Irrigation technologies like traditional flooding irrigation technology (TFIT) for rice farming that exposes water to surface evaporation is no longer a viable adaptation technology for growing rice under stressed water availability from scientific point of view. Alternatively, the system of rice intensification (SRI) irrigation has recently been encouraged in KSB by the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) to reduce water loss through surface evaporation through controlled water usage. However, 90% of rice irrigable land in KSB is still under flooding irrigation which is inefficient in use of water. From literature there is enough evidence in agronomic point of view that SRI irrigation is more water use efficient than TFIT but information on their economic efficiency at household level especially in KSB is not readily available. This study was conducted in Kilombero district to evaluate the profitability of TFIT and SRI irrigation technologies and the determinants of profitability of the two irrigation technologies and; factors that determine the choice of rice irrigation technology in KSB. Data were collected through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), Key Informant Interview (KIIs) and household survey that involved 100 households. The study used farm budget method to evaluate profitability (Net Revenue) of rice produced under SRI and TFIT. From Net Revenue (NR) obtained, profitability determinants were evaluated using multiple linear regressions. This represented first published paper on the economics of the irrigation technologies. Furthermore, this study used the reduced household model to evaluate factors that motivate farming households to decide on the type of rice irrigation technology and allocation of production resources between the two technologies in situ SRI and TFIT which is the second published paper. The findings from first published paper (on economics of SRI irrigation and TFIT) have shown that on average rice production costs per acre are TZS 471 572.5 and 248 939.9 for SRI and TFIT respectively. Also, the study found that on average farming households practicing SRI and TFIT produce 1268 and 608 Kgs of threshed rice respectively per acre. Adding on that the average NR per acre under TFIT and SRI were TZS 902 236 and 1 276 841 respectively, indicating that SRI irrigation was more profitable than TFIT. Despite being more profitable, the findings have shown that SRI is more labour intensive than TFIT; a farming household practicing SRI needs to supply an average of 23 man-days per acre per season while a household practicing TFIT has to supply 14 man-days per acre per season. On one hand, the study found that farming experience, farm size, fertilizer application, agricultural supporting services like capital assistance and high frequency of extension visits positively and statistically influenced the profitability of both SRI and TFIT but differed in magnitudes for example each increment in extension visit caused a TZS 169 000 increase in SRI compared to TZS 101 000 in TFIT ceteris paribus. One of the notable recommendations from the findings is that the subsidization to industrial fertilizers is the viable option by the MoA to benefit rice farmers who irrigate using SRI principles and traditionally. Also increasing extension officers is important especially in areas found with inadequacy like Sululu.
Attitude of raders towards the use of EFD machines: a aase of Tanzania’s Eastern Zone
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2024) Mwalongo, Rachel Ernest
This study assessed the attitude of the traders toward the use of Electronic Fiscal Devices (EFDs) in Tanzania’s Eastern Zone. The main objective of this research was to examine the attitude of traders towards the use of EFD machines, and the willingness of buyers to demand EFD receipts when purchasing items. Specifically, the study addressed the following specific objectives (i) To gauge the attitude of traders towards the use of EFD machines. (ii) To assess the willingness of buyers to demand EFD receipts from traders. (iii) To identify factors that influence the attitude towards the use of EFD machines. (iv) To identify factors that influence the willingness of buyers to demand EFD receipts. (v)To identify challenges facing traders when using EFD machines in Tanzania’s Eastern Zone. The study used a descriptive cross-sectional approach. The study employed 120 respondents being taxpayers. Respendonts were selected through simple random sampling and purposive sampling techniques. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected through structured questionnaires and interview guide. Quantitative data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 20.0) and Excel software program, and qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. Research shows that taxpayers are reluctant to use EFD machines and consumers are reluctant to ask for EFD receipts when purchasing goods or services. Every effort is made to inform customers of the importance of requesting an EFD receipt for each transaction. The main challenges facing the full use of EFDs are the high cost of purchasing equipment and, most importantly, the lack of taxpayer training in the use of EFDs. This study concluded that it is necessary to review the purchase price and maintenance cost, improve the system or the lack of network, properly check the taxpayer's ability to pay taxes, continue to study, know, etc., and accurately determine the amount of tax that the taxpayer must pay, Fairness of the tax system and incentives for its use. Once the above mentioned issues are resolved, tax revenue collection can be further improved through the use of EFD.
Socio-economic effects of urban livestock farming in Dar es salaam City, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture., 2013) Malipa, Isack
This study was conducted in the Dar es Salaam city aimed at assessing the socio economic effects of urban livestock farming in Tanzania. The specific objectives of the study were: (i) to determine the effect of urban livestock farming on household income and income distribution (ii) to determine the effect of urban livestock farming on employment and (iii) to determine the effect of urban livestock farming on food security and nutrition at household level. With and without research design was employed to determine the socio-economic effects of urban livestock farming. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 100 livestock keeping and 100 non livestock keeping households. The data were processed and analyzed using SPSS and Stata. The study finds income of livestock keepers to be significantly (P<0.05) higher than that of non livestock keepers. Concentration coefficient score indicates that the income from urban livestock farming affect negatively the income distribution. Livestock keepers were found to create significantly (P<0.05) more jobs than non livestock keepers. Diet was found to be significantly more diversified among livestock keepers than non livestock keepers. The livestock keepers were found to be significantly (P<0.05) able to feed themselves from their own resources than non livestock keepers. It is upon this conclusion that all null hypotheses that urban livestock farming has an inequality decreasing effect, urban livestock farming has no significant effect on food security and nutrition at the household level and urban livestock farming has no significant effect on employment creation have been rejected. To improve socio-economic situation of urban population through urban livestock farming the study recommends improvement in access to capital, review of urban livestock policies and by-laws, integrating livestock farming in urban land use planning, reducing cost of livestock farming and enforcement of laws and regulations governing provision of public veterinary services.
Agricultural production, natural hazards and risks: an analysis of coping mechanisms and the potential of crop insurance
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2004) Akyoo, Adam Meshack
The study examined natural hazard risks, coping mechanisms and potential for crop insurance on bean farmers in Arumeru district, Arusha region. Objectives were to determine natural hazard risk sources and available coping mechanisms, assess riskiness of various natural hazards, potential of crop insurance and determine factors influencing its preference. Data collection was through formal surveys to 116 farmers and 8 insurance companies, supplemented by informal interviews with various experts from the Directorate of Insurance, National Insurance Company, agricultural officers at the Ministry of Agriculture, Dar es salaam and extension officers at Kwa Ugoro, Malula/Kolila and Kikatiti villages. Qualitative analytical techniques included descriptive methods such as cross tabulations, means, percentages, frequencies, standard deviations and risk analysis using a structured questionnaire. Quantitative methods included Gross Margin (GM) analysis, Pearson Chi square (X2), one way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Regression analysis. Natural hazards were found to be location specific and their riskiness was significantly different (different levels) across villages. Coping mechanisms were found to be imperfectly effective in managing natural hazard risks signifying a need for a risk transfer device, like crop insurance. Crop insurance was favoured by 76.7 percent of the respondents and ranked second in preference as a risk management method. Pests and diseases were the riskiest followed by drought. Positive margins were recorded to 72.4 percent of the respondents. Ability to meet insurance costs was thus high. Farmers’ preference for crop insurance was confirmed and, unexpectedly, wealth status was the only significant factor that influenced it positively. Insurers were however sceptical about its feasibility. Pilot crop insurance scheme as a precursor to a full-fledged scheme in future and' further market research studies to establish more potential for crop insurance are recommended. Agricultural schools and colleges are urged to include crop insurance in their curricular to stimulate its awareness.
Economic analysis of medium scale agricultural enterprises in a predominantly smallholder agriculture sector
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2001) Philip,Damas
Sub Saharan African countries are faced with lagging food production and pervasive poverty. Most of these countries, including Tanzania, depend heavily on agriculture for their economic development and meet their food requirements from domestic production, imports and food aid. Increasing agriculture production is thus a high priority topic in Sub Saharan Africa, including Tanzania. This study is motivated by the failure of the efforts, by the Tanzanian government and international and non governmental organisations, to support smallholder farmers to achieve the expected targets and hence the need to seek for a more responsive alternative target for support that will lead to the achievement of the desired improved production in the Tanzanian agriculture sector. The study tests the hypothesis that there is an unexploited potential for modernizing the Tanzanian agriculture sector through promotion of medium scale farming. To test this hypothesis the study investigates the profitability of medium scale agricultural enterprises in Tanzania using 233 dairy and sugarcane farms located in Morogoro as a case study. In this study profitability was measured by Economic Farm Surplus (EFS) and Gross Margin Analysis (GMA) for the dairy and sugarcane/paddy farms respectively. Literature on previous studies in this area focused on small-scale enterprises and has highlighted the importance ofthe size ofthe agricultural enterprise on productivity of agro-based enterprises. Thus the present study aimed at observingthe trend of profitability of agro-based enterprises with increasing farm size. In order to capture the effect of the changing farm size on profitability, the selected dairy and sugarcane/paddy enterprises were grouped into seven and nine categories for daily and sugarcane respectively. Prior to the estimation of multiple regression models for the two types of enterprises i.e. dairy and sugarcane, a simple comparison of mean EFS and GM analyses for the different size categories was conducted deploying the analysis of variance (ANOVA) technique. The ANOVA indicated the existence of significant differences in the levels of the EFS and GM for the different farm size categories. Three multiple regression models were estimated to establish the relationship between size and profitability. The results revealed that the productivity of an enterprise was positively influenced by the size, access to credit facilities, access to extension services and farmer’s level of education. The results from this study suggest that Tanzanian medium scale agro-based enterprises have a very high potential for growth ifsupplied with a favourable environment. In order to stimulate the growth of medium scale enterprises in the country drastic policy changes that will make sure that the needs of medium scale farmers take a central part in the agriculture policy are required.
Farmer’s climate-related production risks and resilience in the semi-arid areas of Meatu and Iramba districts of Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2014) Ntengo,Revocatus Kayaga
This study was conducted in Meatu and Iramba Districts which are part of the semi arid regions of Simiyu and Singida Regions. The purpose of the study was to assess the farmer’s climate-related production risks and resilience in the semi-arid areas. The study addressed the following specific objectives: i) to characterise climate risks associated with different sources of farmer’s income, ii) to evaluate climate risk resilience ofsmallholder farmers from major income subsector, and iii) To determine the effect of climate change on farm income from major crops. The study design was cross sectional. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from a random sample of 100 smallholder farmers. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the climate risks associated with the different sources of a farmer’s income, Multi-Criteria approach was used to evaluate the incomc-bascd resilience of fanners’ with respect to major climatic risks and a distributed lag model was used to determine the effect of climate change on income from major crops. The results indicate that on characterization of the risks it was found that most of the climate risks affected income sources differently; crops by 98%, livestock by 64% and off-farm sources by 43% only. Over three quarters of the respondents (96%) were found to be not resilient to climate risks and majority (96%) of them laid in the medium and high risk categories. The results also indicate that maize was highly affected by rainfall related climate risks by producing 0.88 tonnes/ha compared to other crops such as sorghum (1.09 tonnes/ha) and cotton (0.94 tonnes/ha). Based on the findings the study draws the following policy-relevant recommendations: the government and other agricultural stakeholders should enhance smallholder farmers to diversify their income generating activities through off-farm activities, promote a good agronomic practice among farmers, open a room for a reliable market by intervening and setting up the favorable and stable price for farmers through improving market infrastructures and market information.
Economic impact of rain water harvesting on crop productivity and poverty reduction in semi-arid areas of Tanzania: the case of Western Pare lowlands in Kilimanjaro region.
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2004) Nkwera,Raymond
Rainwater harvesting for crop production is promising and generally appropriate measure in improving agriculture in the semi-arid tropics. It is especially interesting given the fact that farmers experience crop failures more often due to inadequate and poor rainfall distribution. Erratic and unreliable rainfall in semi-arid areas results in frequent dry spells which often results in serious reductions of crop yields and persistence of poverty. This means that water harvesting can function as an entry point for farming systems modernization in the semi-arid areas of East and Southern Africa. This study aims on assessing the economic impact of rainwater harvesting on crop productivity and poverty reduction in semi-arid areas of Western Pare Lowlands in Kilimanjaro region. Specifically this study aims (i)To analyze households’ poverty focusing on incomes, assets value and consumption expenditure under ‘with’ and ‘without’ RWH (ii) To determine the contribution of RWH to the household income, and the productivity of major crops under ‘with’ and ‘without’ RWH (iii)To determine gross margins for maize enterprise among under ‘with’ and ‘without’ RWH (iv) To determine and compare income from crops, consumption expenditure to the government minimum wage under ‘with’ and ‘without’ RWH (v) To identify major determinants of gross margins and consumption expenditure as indicators of household welfare. The data were collected from primary and secondary sources. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaire administered to sample of 120 respondents, 30 out of them were households practicing under ‘without’ RWH
Choice of green manure technology on smallholder maize production systems in Tanzania: a case of Mkinga district, Tanga region
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2009) George, William Juma
In Mkinga maize-based farming systems, intercropping of maize with green manure have been increasingly been one of the strategies to revive the declining maize production caused by increasing pests infestations and low soil fertility. This study was conducted to evaluate economic viability of green manure utilization on farmers’ livelihoods. The specific objectives of the study were: (i) to measure the accrued costs and benefits of green manure in maize production systems on farmers’ livelihood; (ii) to undertake investment analysis in maize cropping with green manures systems: (iii) to establish farmers' own perceptions on the use of green manures in soil fertility improvement for maize production: and (iv) to propose the best alternative options for green manure utilization for sustainable maize production. Data for the study were collected using household survey from a total of 120 households randomly selected from two villages found in similar agro-ecological zone. Descriptive analysis, gross margin analysis, partial budgeting and benefit-cost analysis were used as analytical tools.Results show that fanners adopted two planting options of green manures that is (Mucuna/maize intercrop or Mucuna/maize staggered). The average maize grain yield over the five years was 906Kg/acre, 374Kg/acre and 304.2Kg/acre in Mucuna/maize intercrop and Mucuna/maize staggered and with no green manure respectively. The gross margin in maize./Mucuna intercrop, Mucuna!maize staggered and without green manures was Tsh 215 920 per acre, Tsh 58 620 per acre and -3 945.6 per acre respectively. Mucuna/maize intercrop yields a high NPV of Tsh 612 807 and BCR of 2.43 at 20% interest rate. The shift from sole crop to maize cropping with green manure is profitable by Tsh 231 833. Future research in pursuit of improving availability of green manure seeds, produce outlets and integrated nutrient management strategics tapping on farmer innovations is required to ensure sustainability of the production system.
Economic valuation of irrigation water and riverside wetland services: the case of lower Moshi irrigation scheme in Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2010) January, Abiud
This study was carried out to determine the economic value of irrigation water and riverside wetland services in the Lower Moshi Irrigation scheme. The specific objectives were to assess the economic value of water for irrigation, investigate the willingness to pay among smallholder farmers for riverside wetland services conservation in the Rau River and to assess factors that determine WTP for riverside wetland services conservation by water flows in the Rau River. The study counted on the data collected from 105 respondents from four villages of Lower Moshi in Kilimanjaro region which are Rau, Mabogini, Chekereni, and Oria. Data were analyzed using descriptive and quantitative methods. The Residual Computation Method was used to compute the economic values of irrigation water for paddy, maize and sunflowers. The Contingent Valuation Method was employed to elicit the willingness to pay for the riverside wetland services conservation, while the logit and linear regression models were used to assess the factors that determine willingness to pay for the riverside wetlands. The findings showed that, the economic value of water for irrigation for paddy was Tshs 366/m3, sunflower Tshs 448/m3 and maize Tshs 329/m3. The economic value for sunflower is high compared to that of maize and Paddy as compared to their profit margin. This is due to the fact that, sunflower use less water compared to other crops and mature early than paddy and maize. The results from CVM indicated that, the respondents were willing to pay an average of Tshs 27 860 per Ha per annum to conserve wetland services in the Rau River. The information on water's economic value enables decision makers to make informed choices on water development, conservation,allocation, and use when growing demands for all uses are made in the face of increased scarcity.
Impact of irrigation on poverty reduction: a case of rice irrigation scheme in Ulanga district
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2009) Mhina,Catherine
The overall objective of this study was to assess the impact of irrigation on rice productivity and its implication on poverty reduction in Minepa Scheme in Ulanga District. In order to compare the relative impact of irrigation, cross sectional data were collected from a sample of 44 irrigating and 57 non-irrigating rice farmers. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the required data. Results indicate that compared to rainfed farming. Gross Margin analysis further indicates significantly higher margins among irrigators than non-irrigators at (p<0.05). In addition to that, linear regression (OLS) results show that participation in irrigation increased rice relationship between farm size and farm output while off-farm incomes and incomes from competing crops appeared to have a significant (p<0.01) negative relationship with rice production. Furthermore, education level, farm type, household size, numbers of extension service visits increased significantly (p<0.01) the rice output thus farm income. However, increased number of dependants was seen to be significant but negatively associated with rice production. The study concluded that irrigation has an eminent positive impact on rice productivity and hence on income needed to reduce poverty among rice producers. Based on the findings, the study recommends for a wider promotion of smallholder irrigation schemes through increased public investment and technology transfer, establishment of standard thus helping in income poverty reduction. pricing and measurement systems for paddy and increase of paddy production under irrigation as a way of improving farm productivity and increased farmers’ incomes
The impact of Ujamaa production on adoption of new farming practices: a case study of Morogoro district Ujamaa villages.
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 1977) Tilumanywa, Adolf
ABSTRACT Tanzania is an agrarian country which depends mainly on agriculture* for its national development* ‘xo achieve rapid r^r'il development the government and party decided after gaining independence to embark on a villagizution policy wnich alias at bringing peasant farmers together in villages for co-operative vi’ocuetion using modern methods*The social ana uconomic environment in trie villages is expected w make introduction ana adoption of improved farmin.':- teconicues easier*'jut v&ile the villagization programme is now von yearn old, conflicting views exist about les success in introducing new famine practices through coFununal px'oauction* .‘Some people claim that government assistance channelled to villages in the form of agricultural inputs is a waste of resources since it is often not properly utilized* Meanwhile others claim that ujumaa villages have been successful in introducing new innovations on communal farms and that cash inputs and mechanisation are in fact over utilized*This study therefore investigated the extent to which farming practices on individual and communal farms dil l er ana what factors account for this difference or the lack tnere off*A case study was made of five villages in Morogoro District by interviewing village leaders, extension workers and randomly sampled farmers*The study specifically examined maize and cotton production practices*iv The study found that fanning practices on individual and co*-.puna?. plots diffni*, with ujarna village groups tending to follow j/ecommuncied faming practices.liaize production practices widely adopted by ujamaa groups include: use of improved seed, monoculture, planting during uho long rains, row planting, thinning, ana application of insecticide*maize o?however, they failed to plantand to weed plots properly. Cotton production nrac«ict.-c. followed by ujamaa groups includes correct spacing, thinning, ana insecticide spraying.They planted aua picked cotton late and failed to weed properly nnc to spray eight tines.Individual farmersplanted maize in the early s-iort rains, need Ilonga maize seed, intercropped uuine, thinned to three plants or not at all; did not use fertilizers and insecticide, and harvested maize before it had dried properly. Nost individual cotton growers planted cotton early, followed correct spacing, thinned and weeded properly, picked cotton early and burnt cotton remains on time.They however failed to spray eight times.The difference in adoption of furain^ practices between individual and communal plots was found to be due to; free u.ovurmaent assistance to uJumna groups,labour availability (commitment), felt need of recommendations, group-decision making and village leadership, extension services, and force.Ujamua groups adopted recommended practices because of fx*ee inputs and to please government officials in order to continue receiving government assistance eventhough they were not convinced that the practices were sound. Government assistance is detrimental, leading to loss of self-reliance*The standard blanket rocommendations frequently are inappropriate and individual farmers refuse to adopt them because they conflict with traditions farming systems ano the local ecolo? ioal environment*Crucial operations ouch as planting, anc; ’.-.'codinG are ne£lectei on the cormunal plots because cf low commitinent by members to communal proc action, 1'eflecting the small return realized from rucn an erteirinjr.;instead concentrate on their individual plots.Members Lishonest anc. corrupt lenders at tiros ha.’j demoralized ~embers,leading to their abandoning the ccmr.unal farm.for work should be increased on Incentives comx-uual farm and village economic plans end leadership need to ba improved* >orce from local leaders has contributed tn adoption of recommended cotton practices by individual farmers, ana noct cotton recocurcndatioas have visible benefits*.■.ilt’ioujfh tl»e rrwericoL wbic?'. ere or. force;’ arc technically sound, .persuasion is a better policy to ..at sustained acceptance. The extension services are geared towards cciacunal plots only, thus na^locting inci vidua?. farmers, j^xtension workers rarely visited individual plots except cotton plots grown in blocks. Village leaders and extension workers supervise various operations on tho communal plots and practices used on the communal plots are decided by tho village agricultural sub-committee whoso members must ensure that the rcconuandationa are followed*Koanwhile individual fajenors are free to follow any precticss thay please.
Economic feasibility of using cassava root affected by cassava brown streak disease in poultry feeds in Mwanza
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2015) Mhabuka,Fedy
Cassava brown streak disease is a destructive disease that causes loss of cassava root in terms of production volume and quality. The disease was reported in Tanzania for the first time in 1936. The disease causes root rotting, the rotting is observed during harvesting thus making the root not suitable for human consumption. The overall objective of the study was to assess economic feasibility of using cassava affected by cassava brown streak disease in poultry feeds. The specific objectives were to determine farmers awareness on the presence and effects of the disease, to determine optimal feed formulation with and without cassava inclusion, to compare the costs for feeds formulated with affected and clean root and assess the profit generated by feeds formulated using affected cassava. Data for this study were collected from Sengerema district and Mwanza city. Three diets were formulated for broilers where two diets were cassava based and one diet did not include cassava. The economic evaluation was based on the diets formulated farmer’s awareness; linear programming (LP) model was used to identify optimal profitability. The costs were compared between cassava based feeds and feeds without statistically different at one percent level of significance (P< 0.01). Sensitivity analysis was done to assess viability of using cassava in broiler diets. The study suggest that key actors in cassava subsector and livestock sectors to create awareness of farmer and processors on the possibility of using Cassava Brown Streak Disease affected cassava on broiler feeds as new channel of cassava value addition.

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