The impact of farmers research network project on diversified legumes among smallholder farmers in Singida region, Tanzania
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Date
2024
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
Legume production in Singida Region has been conducted for years but
with low yield production. The study aimed at assessing the impact of
Farmers Research Network on diversified legumes among smallholder
farmers in Singida Region. The study employed cross-section research
design with 204 respondents using questionnaire survey and key
informant interviews. A two-stage Heckman selection model was used to
determine factors influencing the adoption of diversified legume
production and farmers perception was assessed using Likert scale and
the analysis was then subjected to principal component analysis for
factor analysis. Descriptive and content analysis were conducted for
quantitative and qualitative data respectively employing Microsoft excel
for results presentation. The results on the factors influencing adoption
showed that age, education, farm size, major occupation, experience,
land size, access to credit, and motivation were significantly associated
with adoption of diversified legume production. The adoption of varied
legume production in the research area was found to be statistically
significantly influenced by the farmers' age, education level, farm size,
main occupation, experience, land size, availability to credit, and
motivation. Factors such as ease of cultivation, fair distribution of seeds,
food availability, increase in income level, high legume harvest, and
higher profitability of legumes (p < 0.05) significantly influenced
smallholder farmers' awareness and perception of diversified legumes.
Therefore, Farmers Research Network project has positively impacted
diversified legumes on smallholders farmers in Singida Region. There is
a need to increase training sessions to create awareness on diversified
legumes.
Description
Dissertation
Keywords
Diversified legumes, Smallholder farmers, Two Stage Heckman Selection Model, Principal Component Analysis